Lost Paddler on Richland

[RomanLA]

One addition to the emergency kit for every boater that I don't think I saw on this thread: flashlight. You can use it to signal searchers, helicopters, etc., and the LED flashlights are so tiny that even a small boat can carry one with a space blanket. (You can even buy a mummy space blanket.)

Yeah...good point...I've been moving a lot of my gear back and forth between my dry bag and my backpack. I finally ordered duplicates of quite a few items recently, to make sure I didn't get out on the water without something. I forgot to order an extra headlamp though. I use the Petzl e+Lite...it's waterproof.

I think this may be the most important item in this thread though...
Harlan = Bear Bait

[KimL]

I once made the mistake of taking an Everglades trail solo, trusting that the info the ranger gave me about distances and time was correct. She was wrong. Long story short, my flashlight was too weak to get me out, but it could signal a helicopter, after I finally tried my cell phone.

I know too that cells work on a lot more ridge tops (and in the Everglades) than you'd think. (The Al Franken recount committee found me in Big Bend!) Anyway, you can use one to call and let people know you're okay and hunkered down for the night.

I thought it was stumpy legged chubby people who made good companions in bear company.

[Trismegistus]

And being one of the most unprepared paddlers in the state I recall the time one December day when I made the trip to Richland with not much more than a boat. I had a old beat up helmet piled in the back that didn't have a lining/insert so I wrapped a towel around my head before putting it on. The wonderful Dr. Dale gave me a PFD. And someone else -- perhaps Cowper -- had a single blade paddle I could use. As the late afternoon was quickly fading I pushed off with a neon sign above my head that read "STUPID". One of those times I was glad Cowper elected to make one last run for the day and was running sweep cuz' you never ever really know when things might get ugly.

Now I take two of everything.

[RomanLA]

I once made the mistake of taking an Everglades trail solo, trusting that the info the ranger gave me about distances and time was correct. She was wrong. Long story short, my flashlight was too weak to get me out, but it could signal a helicopter, after I finally tried my cell phone.

I'm definitely guilty of starting some day hikes late in the day. I guess it's the adrenaline junkie in me! lol I sometimes carry my SPOT satellite messenger to let friends and family know that I'm ok. I've also found that I can usually send a text message, even though I can't make a phone call. You may also be able to use your cell phone screen to get a helicopter's attention.

p.s. This is what's on me when I backpack now...just in case I lose my pack.

- Road ID Bracelet
- Paracord Bracelet with Compass
- Photon Freedom Micro LED, Whistle, Light My Fire Firesteel Scout, Swiss Army Knife

[Clif]

gee Romy, McGyver would be proud!

[KimL]

Roman, it was a canoe trail, no land nearby, just my little boat . . . and lots of gators. One of the dumbest things I've ever done (blame it on the brain infection!), but it's made me much more likely to carry basics like a GOOD flashlight and something to cover me on every trip.

[Trismegistus]

Another item to consider is a GPS tracking system for one's car. Many times when I leave the house my wife has no idea where I'm going -- or where I'll end up. And since I'm old school and still haven't acquired a cell phone there's no way to keep her posted as to my where-abouts. Unless she -- or the authorities -- just happen to stumble upon my car parked out in the middle of the woods I could be lost for days. However if I had a GPS tracking system for the car she'd at least know where I parked the car and thus could perhaps make a good guess as to where I am at any time. They are still a little pricey -- either big payment up front for the hardware and small monthly payment thereafter or a monthly lease payment of $39-49 that covers it all.

Of course "big brother paranoia" would have me rendering it useless within a few days.

[Tim Eubanks]

Hope this doesn't qualify as a highjacking:

If I'm bold/stupid/adventurous/unlucky enough to be stuck out in the boonies overnight(unplanned, that is), my whereabouts questionable, should I reasonably expect the sherriff-rescue unit-NPS, etc, to come looking for me? Finding lost kids, sure. But adults who should know better?

This is a hot-button topic with a good friend of mine. Should someone put his/her life on the line to go find my sorry butt because I went where I shouldn't have? Should I plan on being able to signal a helicopter?

[Butch Crain]

Should someone put his/her life on the line to go find my sorry butt because I went where I shouldn't have? Should I plan on being able to signal a helicopter?

Many western & northern rescue efforts are now billed to the rescuee. I'd say that's about right anywhere else.

I think it's called "pay to play", but I may be confusing it with something else I heard about.

[paddledog]

should I reasonably expect the sherriff-rescue unit-NPS, etc, to come looking for me?

Should someone put his/her life on the line to go find my sorry butt because I went where I shouldn't have? Should I plan on being able to signal a helicopter?

Self rescue is predominant. Who is the first person to arrive at any rescue?... the victim.
Somebody will come to find you or your body.
The first commandment of Search and Rescue is "Make no more victims"
A well trained rescuer will not endanger themselves or members of their team to rescue you.
It is difficult to imagine anywhere in Arkansas that a rescue team can't extract a victim.
Time is the variable.
Today - It's you, your buddies or anyone else who happens by.
Tomorrow - An organized effort by a team will START.
Helicopter? considering what it takes to "signal" aircraft, it doesn't hurt to carry a small signal mirror.
but if that is what you are relying on you are going to get cold, wet and damn hungry.

[tomcat]

Daniel Boone didn't need no stinking rescue units. I like his saying on this topic......"I ain't never been lost......maybe confused a couple days, but never lost".

Actually, in Arkansas, is there anywhere out there where you wouldn't cross a road within a few miles?

[paddledog]

Actually, in Arkansas, is there anywhere out there where you wouldn't cross a road within a few miles?

Yes, It's called a circle.
But you maybe able to get anything you forgot out of your boat you forgot.

[RomanLA]

Yes, It's called a circle.

They say lost people often walk in circles, because people favor one side and take longer strides with one foot.

I have $100,000 in insurance for rescues with my SPOT. SAR is free in national parks. I'm not sure about national forests, but I assume it would be the same.

[KAYAKN]

Hey Roman, what is SPOT??

[Jim E]

http://findmespot.com/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;