Having Connection

It’s hard to believe that I started elk hunting over 24 years ago and it is really hard to believe that I haven’t hunted elk in the last 18 years. I have been hunting and had trips that have taken me all over the world but elk hunting just hasn’t been a part of that mix since I lost my father in 2006 and stepped out of outfitting and into the world of writing.

Even back then I understood the value of connection to everything around me but especially connection to home and to resources in case something happened in the backcountry. I was the guide that quickly looked around and found the oldest guy in camp and that was who I guided for the weeks that I was in camp. This was at the time self serving in a lot of ways, I had a career in Washington, DC that kept me busy but I was not cruising mountains at 8,000 feet like the majority of our guides and I smoked a pack a day at the time which is the dumbest thing any human being can ever do. I also learned from those old men every single day. Most of them were experienced hunters and together we would work it out and find ways to have success together.

In guiding, I always wanted to be prepared so I carried at the time a sat phone, a regular phone and one heck of a first aid and survival kit. However, I longed for the right device to replace that expensive sat phone and each year the devices got better and better. This year is no exception

This week Garmin introduced the new InReach Messenger Plus SOS Satellite Communicator allowing a person to send text messages, photos and voice messages. I have been waiting for this device for over 24 years both as a great opportunity to share my adventures with family but also from a safety perspective. Being able to communicate in the backcountry or anywhere you happen to be is life changing and can absolutely save your life should you need the assistance. This device can work as a standalone device or in partnership with your cell phone allowing you to send an SOS message, offer tracking, location updates and check in.

The features list looks outstanding:

• Photo sharing: Show your adventures by sending a selfie from the summit or a photo of your view of the sunset.
• Voice messages: When a text isn’t enough, use your voice to check in to tell friends and family they’re missed or reassure them that you’re safe by exchanging 30-second voice messages.
• Two-way group text messaging: Send text messages with up to 1,600 characters individually on the device, or use the Garmin Messenger app to exchange text messages, send emojis, react to messages or start a group chat.
• Interactive SOS: Explore with peace of mind knowing that in case of an emergency, an interactive SOS message can be triggered. Once an SOS is activated, text, photo and voice messages can be exchanged with response coordinators, who will provide updates on the status of the response effort.
• Route sharing: Share your GPS location and route anytime with live tracking. GPS coordinates can also be embedded into a text, photo or voice message.
• Off-grid navigation: Plan the trip, see the track, save an activity and view a course highlight showing the remaining distance to your destination when paired with the Garmin Explore™ app on a compatible smartphone.
• Check the weather: Get weather reports and forecasts for your location or destination delivered directly to the device or to the Garmin Messenger app.

I certainly enjoy my solitude and the lack of connection when I want it in the outdoors. Hunting for me is generally about the opportunity to be in very big country and not in any way having to worry about the outside world. With all of that being said, I still have family that wants to know I am safe and where I am. I want the comfort to know if or when I step into the worst of it and need help to get out of a very bad situation. Having the tools necessary to do so at my beck and call provide me the freedom and comfort to know that I can take that one more step over the next ridge to find that adventure I am craving. I am going back to elk hunting in 2025 and I will without question have an InReach Messenger Plus in my pack as a part of my kit.