Tom n N
Advanced Member
In the past we have never gotten around to getting an emergency communication device (Spot, etc) due to the usual factors: cost, required subscription, another device to carry and especially because a lot of them can’t differentiate between a stroke that needs a Medivac helicopter NOW, or just being out of gas, but with a weeks worth of food, so just needing a can of gas sometime. Plus just laziness.
This discussion got more serious on a recent trip to northwestern Nevada. After pre walking a rather long and deep water crossing with my handy depth pole and informing my long suffering wife it would be okay, she (rightfully) pointed out (1) I could have missed a hole in the very rocky trail beneath. (2) we hadn’t passed another person in several days. (3) We are well into our 60’s with all the usual health concerns that come at that age (4) Even though it’s very well equipped and cared for, our trusty Toyota is over 30 years old.
In a rare case of sanity and compromise I grudgingly backed up and hung a 20 point U turn on the trail. While getting out checking to make sure I hadn’t inadvertently ignited the dry grass with my Cat during the U turn, I heard the distinctive rattle of a diesel in the distance, and pretty soon a large Dodge forded the water from the other side (perfect timing!) He graciously agreed to wait until we got safety across, and all was good. I did, though, solemnly swear to not venture into the outback again without some kind of emergency communications.
So, long story short, it looks like newer I phones have or are coming out with satellite text capability that would render all other devices obsolete. In checking this out I’m getting mixed information. To be clear, I’m not interested in any social media or photo sharing over satellite, just the ability to text either 911 or to get a friend to come bring me a replacement for a broken part. We’re not terribly tech savvy and currently have older IPhones on a Verizon prepaid plan. Would have no problem buying a new phone but some say 14,15, or 16 can work, but others disagree, and of course all want to sell us upgrades we don’t want or need.
Since we don’t have kids, I’m thinking some of you out there can help us old Amish geezers with this.
Thanks
Tom
This discussion got more serious on a recent trip to northwestern Nevada. After pre walking a rather long and deep water crossing with my handy depth pole and informing my long suffering wife it would be okay, she (rightfully) pointed out (1) I could have missed a hole in the very rocky trail beneath. (2) we hadn’t passed another person in several days. (3) We are well into our 60’s with all the usual health concerns that come at that age (4) Even though it’s very well equipped and cared for, our trusty Toyota is over 30 years old.
In a rare case of sanity and compromise I grudgingly backed up and hung a 20 point U turn on the trail. While getting out checking to make sure I hadn’t inadvertently ignited the dry grass with my Cat during the U turn, I heard the distinctive rattle of a diesel in the distance, and pretty soon a large Dodge forded the water from the other side (perfect timing!) He graciously agreed to wait until we got safety across, and all was good. I did, though, solemnly swear to not venture into the outback again without some kind of emergency communications.
So, long story short, it looks like newer I phones have or are coming out with satellite text capability that would render all other devices obsolete. In checking this out I’m getting mixed information. To be clear, I’m not interested in any social media or photo sharing over satellite, just the ability to text either 911 or to get a friend to come bring me a replacement for a broken part. We’re not terribly tech savvy and currently have older IPhones on a Verizon prepaid plan. Would have no problem buying a new phone but some say 14,15, or 16 can work, but others disagree, and of course all want to sell us upgrades we don’t want or need.
Since we don’t have kids, I’m thinking some of you out there can help us old Amish geezers with this.
Thanks
Tom
