Doing it alone? Itinerary and Rescue Proposal

[JackSilb]

Proposal for the Itinerary and Rescue Process

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Please be aware that the Internet and tools such as our Forum should not be used of life dependent missions
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As in any trip, you are at your own risk.
The best insurance plan is to go with another vehicleIf you are going alone in a trip, we hope that the outline developed by your 4WDTrips family can help.

- Within the Trip Thread in the Next Trip area do the following: (if it does not work well, we can have separate Threads)

When you are leaving
Where you are going (be as specific as possible)
Vehicle description
Number of passengers
When you will return (or a reasonable time frame)
Describe comm gear and frequency to be used. CB, 2m, FRS, HF, etc.
Ask for two volunteer buddies - to check on you
PM or e-mail your contact information (cell phone number, home phone number, emergency contact, health insurance information, contact, any health conditions, medications, and allergies)
Show at home how to access the Forum and PRINT the Itinerary and buddies information. If you wish, create a separate Forum ID for your companion to access the Forum and contact us.
Other information (links to maps, phone numbers for local Ranger station, etc.)Additional note: If you are traveling in a group. You should probably carry in your vehicle emergency contact names and phone numbers along with insurance information. Thus, heaven forbid, something happen while on a trip with others, we know who to contact.

- After 12 hours of no NEWS from the traveler, the buddies call the emergency contact and agree on calling the authorities.
- Users will be responsible to check in when they return from a trip or call your buddies from the road so we know you have returned and we don't need to send the calvary.
- Travelers stay calm along the truck waiting for the rescue. Be ready to be self contained for 72 hours. Water, water, water. This is a topic for discussion alone.

-JACK

[flywgn]

This is an interesting suggestion and topic for discussion. I'll just start things off by asking the question re: the "...after 12 hours of no NEWS...".

What 12 hours? When does the meter start?

Since we carry a satellite telephone with us on all of our trips (rented one in South Africa because ours is an 'old' Magellan World Phone and cumbersome to tote around), we feel rather secure, at least in relative terms.

[MrS]

My rule of thumb for when to call authorities is; 48 hours after the last day of my trip.

My reasoning is:

I can survive for many days from my truck,depending on weather [not sure camping many nights around the campfire without beer is surviving? :notme: ] If my situation deals me a longer than that of a stay, in the lower 48 I can get someone's attention within a day or two.

If I need help faster than 48 hours, I also need it faster than 12 hours, or one hour for that matter.

I also give my contact any and all phone numbers to try before calling for help.

[mojavedave]

MrS. I'm kinda with you on this one. I always take two or three days extra food and water. For drinking, a gallon a day. Which is plenty if rationed during a bad situation. But, Jack's first post here makes good points. At the very least, give your friends, companion, etc., somewhat of an idea of your plan, how long, areas you will be, etc. As far as the clock starting from when you realized you are in trouble is sorta a personal matter. I have gotten into situations a time or two in which I was probably in trouble long before I realized it! But, I think by far the most crucial thing is to have enuff to get you through another unexpected day or two at least, definately have some sort of communications with you and ALWAYS HAVE A FIRST AID KIT!

Anyway, just mumblin' aloud...lol...

[PinzEOD]

Even when NOT going it alone, I ALWAYS print out a little map (yahoo or mapquest or google), clearly mark the area I'm heading for and give it to wifey. My return dates are generally inflexible so our rule of thumb is 12 hours late with no call, she gets ahold of whomever my point of contact was for the trip, be it a phone number or a web site. From there it gets more official as necessary.

[JackSilb]

My rule of thumb for when to call authorities is; 48 hours after the last day of my trip.

Well, the rational is that you can survive 48 hours out of your truck. But may take 48 hours after the 48 hours of the waiting period to find you.

Lets say we wait 48 hours to call for help for you. Then it may take some 48 hours to find you ... You are a hard guy to find anyway.

Does it make more sense now?

Just if you had the optimum color truck. That would help.
-JACK

[MrS]

Lets say we wait 48 hours to call for help for you. Then it may take some 48 hours to find you anyway.

Does it make more sense now?

Good point Jack.

I think we need to clarify many things before this thread will be helpful to backcountry explorers.

I feel my Forté is based on my desert exploring, and I plan my gear, provisions, and rig around this environment. I read the terrain and weather to fit my comfort level, no matter if solo or with others. With others I will try things that are a sure turn around spot when solo.

Of course my backcountry experience for travel in wetter areas is limited to the decade I lived in the Pacific Northwest, and I can tell you I'm ill prepared for the Redwoods with my current rig.

So based on my experience I not up to survive like the folks who travel ice cap, dense jungles, and all other environments that backcourtry 4wd explorers encounter.

But in my desert playland I feel comfortable that I can hold-on for the many days I may need to get someone attention. Even if they are not to help me, they need to move me from my stuck-point to press charges.

The 'pressing charges' reminds on an event that a close friend had {I know he DOESN'T want his name used}with military security, he needed to be escorted thru the base gate do to lack of fuel (and a live bombing range) limiting his ability to return the way he came in.

So maybe we need to stipulate the type of 4x4 travel that the person deals with.

So to quote you " this make sense?"

This is a good thread, since I don't recall this being something we have taked about, and we should look for any short-comings in our plan before we need to test it.
:ok-kewl:

IMO a person should be able take care of themself after what ever natural diaster that can strike their area for 5 days even in a city


[Crap, I got auto-logged-off. When I posted my reply I got a "you must be logged it to reply" which I was because I quoted Jack. This is the 2nd time this happened, lucking I remember that and had save the posting before hitting 'submit']
Cool I leaned from the last time :beertoast: Maybe I can now put 'Trainable' on my resume? :rofl:

[JackSilb]

Cool I leaned from the last time :beertoast: Maybe I can now put 'Trainable' on my resume?

Good point. People need to remember to save long replies. Highlight and Ctrl-C helps and is quick unless your computer crashes.

-JACK

[blupaddler]

Jack this is a really good idea.

I did this for our Baja trip. I printed out the itineray and gave it to my parents.

The only dilema is you must stick to your plan. How many times have you ventured off in a "new" direction. But at least a general idea will get searchers started.






Additional note: If you are traveling in a group. You should probably carry in your vehicle emergency contact names and phone numbers along with insurance information. Thus, heaven forbid, something happen while on a trip with others, we know who to contact.

:supercool:

[JackSilb]

Good point Robb. Added to the list.

-JACK

[Happy Sandwich]

My Area of expertise is desert exploring. I plan my gear, provisions, and truck around this environment. Before leave I check on weather conditions and depending upon my trip I’ll check areas outside southern Cal, most likely Northern Cal, AZ, and NV. I do this to prevent any weather related surprises, for me it’s an awareness issue.

I leave a map outlining my trip, this includes my primary route and any secondary routes and I do not alter this with prior notification to home. If I can not reach home, I mark the mark via my GPS for a future trip. Better safe than sorry.

If possible I’ll call home when I stop for the night and let my wife know my location. Nine times out of ten I’ll have no phone contact for a day or two, so at the first opportunity I’ll call home and leave a message. Should I not return home by Sunday afternoon or by the predetermined time frame, she knows there a problem and needs to take action.

If I run into trouble I have my mobile and handheld Ham radios, CB’s have proven unreliable. Plus there are a number of areas where cell phones do not work, dead areas. Most importantly I stay out of trouble by not getting into areas or roads that are either over my head or best when traveled by two and not one.

I always carry more water than I will ever use, I feel can go without eating a couple of days however water is a different matter; plus I carry enough MREs to last a couple days longer than I’ll be out.

I scope out my area of interest via BLM web sites, Google Earth, Map and this web site; plan a coordinately and work my plan.

My trips are based on area awareness and safety.

[JackSilb]

Someone plans well. Good job sir.

It seems you are a candidate for testing the scheme we are discussing here.

Also, I am curious about your trips. If you don't mind having us along, please consider posting some of them on the Next Trips area.

Take care.
-JACK

[nadya]

I like to have a repeater list of the area I'm in. Check one or two of them, ask for listeners, thell them your plans. I find that repeaters are the fastest way of getting help.

[IceWalker]

Depending on what part of the globe you're going a PLB is also a pretty good idea. These can be rented or bought. I've rented twice (can't remember how much it was would have to dig out the CC bill) so I'm thinking about buying one now.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47799531&parent_category_rn=40002203&vcat=REI_SSHP_GPS_TOC

Satellite phones are great - again depending on where you are going - When we went up to the arctic there were times when it wouldn't work.

CB radios are ok but don't forget that you may not always be able to reach someone on the other end. Same with GMRS/FRS.

I like the idea of HAM radio - since depending on installation etc it seems that you would have pretty good range.

A couple of other things that I always carry (caveat I don't go in the desert)
* Tent
* Sleeping bag
* First Aid Kit
* Flares
* Water
* Food (up to 7 days)

Hope that helps

Jeff

[JackSilb]

Interesting device. A couple friends that are hardcore snowboarders have something similar. I can see you get in some hard to find places.

On the sat phones, I hope they will be more affordable soon. I would say if the service provider would charge you only for the use not the monthly fee it would be way much better.

-JACK

[calamaridog]

Just wanted to revive this thread. I thought of it after Marks little adventure.

[mojavedave]

Although, I wasn't anywhere to have helped Mark, at least I knew where he was heading...for the most part. Just glad he found help...


Laterness,

[cruiser guy]

Has anyone used the APRS (Automated Position Reporting System) when traveling? Many of us have computers, GPS and the ham radio already, it just seems like a natural progression to allow all that hi-tech gear help find us if we have a problem. I haven't looked into this yet since I first need to get my ham license (test on March 6).
In my case I'm in a little different position then most since I travel in Central America and Mexico where APRS maps may not be well developed.

Thoughts, ideas????

[calamaridog]

My thought is that technology is great, but expensive.

I don't have all the bells and whistles, so I'm looking for a low tech solution such as "send help if you don't here from me by" such and such time.

Anyone going alone in my area feel free to let my know your itinerary and I'll come and get you if you are overdue.

[mojavedave]

My thought is that technology is great, but expensive.

I don't have all the bells and whistles, so I'm looking for a low tech solution such as "send help if you don't here from me by" such and such time.

Anyone going alone in my area feel free to let my know your itinerary and I'll come and get you if you are overdue.



Calamaridog...

I agree. I think the basics, tried and true, are the very thngs that work the most consistent. Provided you always follow through with the plan-i.e., camping location, mapped out trails/roads/highways, general phone schedule in which you contact your loved ones, etc. If you suddenly find a trail that you feel you can't resist and it isn't in the original plans, find some elevation/good location and make that call to let someone know there has been a slight change in plans. Then, head on out and explore or whatever.

Also, even if you do not have GPS, it wouldn't hurt to map out where you plan on beinig, at least generally, get the GPS coordinates and leave that information with someone at home, a friend, etc. Then, after whatever described time has passed and you may be in trouble, someone has the general coordinates of you location for authorities if needed.

Just my thoughts as I don't have all the bells and whistles either. But, I have found that the above works. Our group uses 11 and 10 meter two way and cell phones generally. We always have three extra radios for C.B. in case someone else comes along without to make sure we can all stay in contact while on the trail. Sometimes we take along FRS ( I have 7 radios I think) which have come in extremely handy. I know that C.B. and 10 meter don't always "get out" as often you are subject to skip and static. But, we try not to split up, we try to stay in the general area as planned and always make that call if something changes.

And, of course, there's always the extra rations beyond your planned stay required for any trip.

Oh yeah, Calamaridog made an excellent point! I am located in The Antelope Valley, Ca. A.K.A., The Mojave Desert. Lancaster, Ca. to be more precise. If anyone is ever stranded in my area, I will be more then happy to come and help. Whomever can PM me before there trip in the area and I can provide a phone number and info., etc. then be ready when needed. We have a very active REACT group here in the A.V not to mention just some real adventurous locals who are always ready to help. One way or another, we can be there.

Anyway, all this talk has me itchin' to head out and hit some trails and watch some sunsets in a place I have never been!

Hmmmm....jumping to another thread...laterness...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I have a back pack in my truck.....and a fanny pack for lighter day hikes. I also try to bring along 2 weeks worth of food and supplies.....including WATER! People......always bring enough WATER!

If I ever get stranded.....I can just load up my backpack and start hiking my way out if I must. Before you do that......write a note of what you are doing and where you are going and put it on your dash for search teams to read.

I know they say always stay with your truck. But if I was so far out that I felt nobody would ever find me.....that would be silly to stay with my truck and DIE! A note on the dash would solve that problem so a search party would not have to guess where you went.

Where I recently got stranded....the weather was really scetchy and I didn't know if the bad weather would continue. So with the cabin just 500+ yards west of me down the trail......it would be silly to spend the night in my truck. That's why I wrote the note. If I woke up in the morning and no sign of help. I could have walked out down the 6 miles to Ballarat with my backpack of supplies.

Thanks goodness I didn't have to do that.

In my note I show below.....I gave my name and cell phone number. I have altered the pic for privacy on the net.

[mojavedave]

Mark,

The note was a good idea, given, as you said, you were still relatively close to the cabin and only 6 miles from Ballarat. Hell, even a smoker like me could make that trek if I had too!

But, that brings up another point. One of which you did. That is ALWAYS remember the way you came, the trail you are on, your bearings, etc. Simple enough in your last situation. But, as you know, could have been deeper into the hills and desert. Knowing the way from which you came, even hours later, can make all the difference!

But, again...LET PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO BE!

...cooridnates, mapping, locations through Maptech, Topozone, anything at all and some sort of general time in which you will be there and come back!

I had a terribly bad day once, October of 2001. That is another story. Our group's #1 rule is NEVER go alone. At least two people with two rigs and of course, food, water, etc. On that terrible day in 2001, I was to go home but due to other life changing factors at that time, grabbed my sleeping bag, two cans of beans, a package of hot dogs, one small bundle of firewood, my shovel, tow strap and a 6.5 gallon can of gas and away I went...to Red Rock. What a mistake as I told NOONE of my spur of the moment plan and just dissapeared. Nobody knew where I was. I got robbed along the highway. (I may start a thread about this kinda stuff). Always take the right precautions. Always as anything can happen!

[xxxpedition]

we're on our own a lot when on trips and we have a few rules for ourselves:

- use common sense (problem is that some people don't have that)
- know your vehicle before you go out alone (that should be common sense)
- don't go where you feel the same way back might be too difficult (you want an 'escape' route - and saying that: be careful in sand dunes - the way back might be harder than you think)
- if you go out for a weekend pack for a week, if you go for a week pack for two, etc.
- in australia we had a sat phone just in case. with a gps the helper should easily find you (us)
- do not underestimate nature! - research new terrain/climate situations (many experienced people died because they ignored sings of nature or underestimated for them foreign terrain) sounds stupid but is unfortunately true... being a natur-lover does not count as experience! and because you are a mountaineer familiar with ice and snow does not give you knowledge about the desert!
- and so on, and so on, and use common sense :wink:


and our truck had a bright color (kinda hard to miss :-))
i had to add my 2 cents (euro-cents that is...)
sven

[xxxpedition]

oh, i forgot:
in australia you can by a device (unfortunately i forgot the name) with is ONLY for very serious emergencies.
it's about $1000 and works only once...
when activated it sends out signals which can be tracked by airplane, radio, etc.
once it is activated whoever gets the signal alarms officials. most of the time the military receives these signals first and they send out a troop to find you right away. so you don't want to mess around with it - it costs a fortune if you are not in serious trouble...

[MrS]

Hi guys, I read this and try and get back with a reply. I posted a reply to a calidagie linked posting and I had a question in the wrong spot and not confortable clicking the 'delete' button. :-)

[MrS]

Calidogie linked this posting and what a useful tool this could be.

I’m heading out on a solo trip very soon and would like to try some alfa testing of this e-net ‘itinerary proposal. Since it looks like I will have good cell coverage and on-board internet, this might work, at least as a test.

I don’t want to post my whole travel itinerary for just anyone who might log-on for security reasons, but;

Can we sent-up a small user group? Maybe with the people who have inputted up till now on this thread and maybe the moderations?

Can we do that Jack? Uwe?


I already have a at home contact who will monitor my movement via email and/or phone call update to them, and knows when and where to call. So no one here needs to worry or do anything if we don’t post. This is just a test to see how it might work.

[JackSilb]

Hi Steve,

Is your proposal to create an area and make it private to certain people?

The problem with that is that the responsibility may be on the moderators to put new people in the list. I am worry that we have to judge someones request and the impact it may have on others.

For instance, on your trip how would we know you don't want certain people knowing about it? What if one of the person you don't know, and would like he or she to not know about one of your trips, is in the list that have access to the "Safety Trip List".

I hope I did not miss your point. I think you are to something good.

I can easily create a private area in the forum and give a small group access to it. But the members may not know who is there and if someone new was create since the last time they posted a trip.

Any ideas folks?

Thanks,
-JACK

[MrS]

Hum, good points Jack.

Let me propose this:

We get a group of (10? 20? More? Less?) volunteers to watch and follow postings. We can call them ‘Watcher’ for now.

When a person (we call them a ‘explorer’ for now) requests us to be a at home contact, they will supply needed info and Watcher will give them access to a thread. There they can post their trip, and at a set time we can start the emergency contact thing. OR When the explorer gets home safe they will connect us and we will remove the post, and the explorer’s access to that thread. That way there will only be one or two threads at a time to watch.

Of course we would need to work many rules, responsibility(s), etc.

If I have the forum ‘power’ I don’t mind trying to set-up this and manage it. Of course we still have lots of logistics to work out, but this could be a useful service we can offer our fellow travelers.

It not not even work, but we can do some alfa testing.

For solo trips I already put together and Itinerary for my home contact with route, over-night stops, and phone #s to stays, and local police. I then send them a short email whenever I log on with a short ‘made it to this location’ note. I don’t get to involved with detailed pavement routes, and fluctuate a lot, but keep close to night stay plans. Off road I stay very close on route and a basic air search should spot me.

Be interesting to see others input.

[MrS]

...I’m heading out on a solo trip .....

I just got home from my solo trip to the south east corner of Az.

I really like the Verizon Aircard I'm using. Very powerful and low coast way to keep my at-home contact advised of my position. A few times the singal was too weak for any real 'internet' use, but a short E-mail was doable. There where times the signal was to week to link-up.

[JackSilb]

Nice Steve,

Can you follow-up on the internal vs. external vertical vs. external Yagi antenna in another Thread?

Also, we are looking for pictures ...
-JACK

[MrS]

Nice Steve,Can you follow-up on the internal vs. external vertical vs. external Yagi antenna in another Thread?
Also, we are looking for pictures ...
-JACK

See: http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3305&page=3 posting #28

I was hoping you had some picture from our last trip together in the Mojave. ???
:chairfall:

[JackSilb]

Just to get this Thread updated with new Technologies (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5325)

-JACK