Solo trips

**Hetairoi** · 06-05-2009, 13:34

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

Does this require a special GPS phone, or just something like a Razor?

It can be done with any cell phone by using triangulation, but this is not normally available to just anyone. My understanding is most local police are able to work with cell companies to have this done though:

from ehow.com

"Cell phone triangulation collects data and traces the approximate location of the cell phone in question. Because cell phone triangulation requires tracking the strength of the signal from cell phone towers receiving a signal, normal citizens will be unable to perform this function without paying a company for their technology. Once the information is gathered the coordinates will pinpoint you to the position within 25-100 meters of said cell phone. Read on to learn more about how to triangulate a cell phone."

Has been used with success to find hikers lost in remote areas:

"Denali National Park (Alaska) - Two hikers who got lost in the Alaskan wilderness are now safe thanks to some crafty cell phone triangulation. 25-year-old Abby Flantz and 23-year-old Erica Nelson had gone out on what was supposed to be a one night hike. A search was called after the pair didn’t come back the next day..."

**animalcontrol** · 06-05-2009, 13:40

Originally Posted by Hetairoi

It can be done with any cell phone by using triangulation, but this is not normally available to just anyone. My understanding is most local police are able to work with cell companies to have this done though:

from ehow.com

"Cell phone triangulation collects data and traces the approximate location of the cell phone in question. Because cell phone triangulation requires tracking the strength of the signal from cell phone towers receiving a signal, normal citizens will be unable to perform this function without paying a company for their technology. Once the information is gathered the coordinates will pinpoint you to the position within 25-100 meters of said cell phone. Read on to learn more about how to triangulate a cell phone."

Has been used with success to find hikers lost in remote areas:

"Denali National Park (Alaska) - Two hikers who got lost in the Alaskan wilderness are now safe thanks to some crafty cell phone triangulation. 25-year-old Abby Flantz and 23-year-old Erica Nelson had gone out on what was supposed to be a one night hike. A search was called after the pair didn’t come back the next day..."

I know nothing, but I'm assuming that the cell phone would need a signal?
I guess "remote" depends on where the hiker is...
I have no cell coverage inside/outside my office building, so if I'm lost no one could use triangulation to find me

But Denali National Park, oh yea, coverage is there!
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?? no...

**shrek** · 06-05-2009, 14:30

Originally Posted by T-Dubs

Really, though, when you go with someone else you accept responsibility for them and often have to make too many compromises.
TWS

This is one of the things I don't enjoy as much about Hiking with others. I really don't know the skill and knowledge level of some of the people that go with me, so I always feel like I need to be responsible for them, even my regular hiking partner. It takes some of the fun out of it, although I don't mind teaching them what little I know.

The good thing about my regular hiking partner is that, if there is a snake within 100 yards of us, he will spot it. He's very afraid of snakes. (Sorry, Snakeman, if you are lurking and read this.

)

**shrek** · 06-05-2009, 14:35

Originally Posted by IanBristol

As a semi-introvert I enjoy the solitude, yes it can get lonely, especially as night draws in but the moment I climb inside that comfy Hammock with the sounds of nature all around me all that is forgotten. Well rested, I am then ready to face another day.

Ditto...Same for me.

**Chrisp70** · 06-05-2009, 15:09

Billybob there are a few locator applications I thought I knew of a free one. Quick Google Search http://products.vzw.com/index.aspx?id=fnd_chaperone

**Chrisp70** · 06-05-2009, 15:13

I was in scouts then got out just got back in to scouting. So group solo group. Going solo this weekend.

**mtbkr5** · 06-05-2009, 18:32

it depends for me. I like the company and the safety factor of taking a buddy or two, but if there are more than 3 of us, it gets annoying waiting for everyone. But every once in a while, I enjoy the solo trips and the alone time in the woods. Nothing like sitting alone in the woods reflecting on life and figuring out what I am doing with said life.

**diesel** · 06-07-2009, 19:19

i said with a buddy or 2 in the poll but I like solo also .... after a couple days it gets lonely though. I get the willies too sometimes.... I like to take my collie, sometimes it's kind of limiting. really like to hike with a female (platonic) .... the all guy thing gets too testosteroned up.

**stevebo** · 06-07-2009, 20:41

I usually hike solo by choice. However, when my 12 year old son is not in school, I go with him. Theres somthing about going solo, it kindof gets on your blood. I find it to be very relaxing and peaceful! After a long hard stressful week, I kind of crave a solo trip! Heres another question for the poll, are you an extravert or an introvert? I think it would be pretty interesting to see how that lines up with your hiking preference, (solo, or not)

**warriorsociologist** · 06-07-2009, 21:29

I couldn't pick between the "always" and "never" choices. While I usually go with a buddy -- but some of my 5-7 day trips and most of my winter trips are solo.