SPOT anyone??

Well, since the competitive trail clinic was cancelled and I got my money back, I went out and bought the SPOT GPS messenger. It was 20% off at EMS over the weekend so I figured it would be a good time to get it. I have done some backpacking and plan to do some horse camping in the Adirondack mountains where there is no cell coverage so I figured it would be cheap insurance. Especially since I will be with my 13 year old daughter. I have not had a chance to read up on it, but does anyone have one? What are your thoughts/comments on the other features besides the SOS? It would let me send 1 or 2 pre programmed messages to my wife to let her know we are alive and well, or that the going is slow and we might be out another night so she doesn't ring the alarm bell if we are not home when expected.

Let me know what you think of the device.

I never go into the sticks without my SPOT. I carry it in my camelbak and take it all the time. I often program the "I'm OK" message to have some sort of joke about how the recipients wish they were where I was instead of at work.

When I'm in the sticks overnight I always send a checkin message to the Mrs. Every day, sometimes more than once.

I also have MY cell phone as a recipient so I know the message went through--assuming I have cell coverage which might not happen for a few days.

I think they are a GREAT backup safety device and recommend them to anyone who goes into the back country.

I like your idea of using your cell phone as a recipient as well. I had not thought of that. It is nice to know the messages went through even though you may not have signal for a while or until you get out. But at least then you know they went through.

BTW, I like your saddle. Color is not a problem as with use, especially trail riding/camping, the color will change and not be noticeable......that is if you don't like the color. It lookc comfortable. WWW.outfitterssupply.com sells a lot of the D's and hardware you might be looking for to add to your saddle.

My "normal" message is just a test message--something like "This is Bill just testing his SPOT. If you click the location listed you can see where I am."

I send that sometimes when I DO have a cell signal just to make sure the system is working--I should get a message on my cell right away if it's working. Well, sometimes it takes 5 or 10 minutes, but I should get a message.

I might eventually change the seat to dark brown just so it doesn't look so dirty all the time. But first I gotta go on a few group rides and enjoy the yucks and chuckles!