Communications

We spent part of the day testing our various communication devices. We have opted to go with a SPOT and a DeLorme inReach device. The SPOT will allow us to send daily updates of our location. These will be sent to a shortlist of people on our email list. They will also be automatically published on this blog for everyone else to see. The SPOT device has a messaging facility and an SOS capability. Two of our friends (Dan Haghighi and Joel Grover) have agreed to be our emergency contacts and will help coordinate activities should we need help. The SPOT device communicates using the Globalstar satellite network.

Our DeLorme inReach device supports two-way text messaging via the Iridium satellite network. It allows us to send and receive text messages up to 160 characters in length. We intend to use this device primarily for communication in the event of problems. Our friends Dan and Joel will have the necessary contact information for coordinating an evacuation in the, hopefully unlikely, event that we need one. To conserve battery life we do not intend to use this device for regular updates.

If you don't hear from us, don't worry! We have 6 weeks of food with us and we intend to travel only when it is appropriate give the conditions.