Cell phones (was: Death of a Scout in the Grand Canyon)

In a message dated 96-06-09 15:50:10 -0400, you write: >After
this tragic news, I am now more convinced >than ever that each
troop should ask someone to bring their cell-phone and >put it in
a back pack "just in case." These phone are now very small and
very >light weight.

In New Zealand there is some concern that people going on trips
are at times taking cell phones rather than other more useful
measures. Cell phone coverage is not 100% and places where you
might need to make contact with the outside world are often the
places least likely to have coverage. We have a system here
called Mountain Radio which involves taking a radio set out with
you which is rented at a reasonable cost. It is an added weight
and is considerably larger than a cell phone - but it is reliable
from remote parts - and when lives are at stake I know which I'd
rather have!. The Mt. Radio operators make contact with each
group in the evening to check on where they are and that
everything is ok. They also give accurate weather forecasts for
the country, including the more remote regions, (rather than the
general radio forecasts that concentrate on cities). In addition
of course - should the need arise you can use the system to let
people know that there is a problem at other times. From standing
camps, or campsites in fairly public areas a cell phone is a good
idea - but be wary of using them when other measures are more
appropriate. Arohanui,
Anne

Anne Elzenaar
Wellington, New Zealand
anne@lejonosmac.topnz.ac.nz or anne@cbc.topnz.ac.nz

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