Kindness of Hikers

[Ellen]

Howdy All

As you may recall, my SPOT fell off my pack and shot down a steep slope on San Jacinto on December 19 Lance and I looked for my runaway doggie on Christmas day but could not locate it due to new snow fall.

Last Friday I received an e-mail from SPOT Inc. letting me know that my SPOT had been located. Merilee and her husband were on their way down from the summit when he noticed something unnaturally orange at the base of a cluster of small trees. Since they too have a SPOT device, they knew what it was right away.

She kindly returned my lost doggie via UPS. While corresponding, I learned that she is also a member of the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team How ironic -- now both master and SPOT have been saved by SAR.

Thanks again, Merilee, for your SAR service Kind people like you enhance the wilderness experience.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Sally]

Ellen, I'm glad you and your SPOT were reunited! I too have SPOT, and I've been wondering, what if I lose my SPOT and someone finds it before I can notify SPOT and unwittingly (or wittingly for that matter) pushes the 911 button? Do you know if I am liable for a "rescue?"

[Karen R]

Sally, SAR typically does not charge for rescues in California. I believe they are legally allowed to charge a small amount, $500 or so, but I don't think people get the bills. There is some ornate accounting where the county mounting the SAR can bill the costs back to the County you live in. Anyway, I doubt you'd be charged with rescue costs, bigger problem is your family would get the help signal and they'd get scared.

Another reason for all hikers to make annual donations to SAR since it is volunteer and they need gear, training, etc.

[DSSAR guy]

<----- Will rescue you for TIPS =)

[NormaR]

ellen,

glad to hear your Spot was found and returned to you. "Woof, Woof!"

the kindness of hikers and the mountaineering community makes my tail wag!