In a message dated 1/22/1999 0:37:36 AM EST, ssives_at_erols.com writes: << Ken, I've thought about this problem as well. I think the best solution is to use your VHF for a glorified weather radio, and to just use your cellular telephone in emergencies. Assuming you are just using it for emergency communication (as opposed to group conversation on the water, or trying to raise a barge that is about to hit you), the telephone will do the same trick with a much greater range. I think the Coast Guard can even be patched in. Last I heard, the cellular will cover the entire Chesapeake Bay area. Anyone else's thoughts? >> The primary positive thing about Marine VHF is it's ability to communicate with the entire marine community, not just the Coast Guard. Another positive point is "submersable" VHF radios are available. Similar Cell Phones are not! If you have not heard about this, let one who experienced it tell you about it. One drop of water, one drop!, will put a cell phone out of commission. They are great little buggers, but one drop on the keypad and you are "squelched out!" If it is fresh and if you get it dried out quick enough, your phone might live to work another day. If salt, forget it! Also, if you think that calling a tug pushing a barge will stop it from running you down, think again! Try stopping one of those things in less than a milke or two. You better just plan to stay the hell away from harms way! As fpr rescue, your best bet is using a VHF marine and hoping that tug pushing a barge hears you and will stop adn help, because by teh time teh Coast Guard responds, you are past the relm of need to be rescued and into teh relm of needs to be recovered. John *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Not sure exactly what Roberto was looking for on waterspouts -- I suspect firsthand in-the-water experiences -- but I kayak regularly in the Panama City Fla area and encountered five spouts at one time in St. Andrew Bay last May 1998. We had just put out when this ugly squall line rolled into the bay. It was an awesome storm! Surly, dark clouds, clipping along at about 25-30 mph. We made it to our room on the beach and watched one, two, then three waterspouts drop out in about four minutes. Next thing you know there were five down within a half-mile area -- swirling across the bay's surface and whipping up the water like I've never seen before. After four to five minutes or so -- all but one dissipated -- and that one slammed into the backside of the hotel. You could feel the rapid pressure change rumbling through the building -- ceiling tiles flopping out of place. Pretty wild! Called 911 -- reported their presence and movement toward the PC area. Fortunately, aside from a few palm trees with their tops ripped off and a few roof tiles in the parking lot, there appeared to be no major damage. Never heard if they caused any damage inland. Took a photo of two that were spiraling side by side. An awesome experience. Had never seen that many at one time before nor been that close. Amazing stuff those spouts! Call me masochistic, but I wish I had been able to test my skills while in their throes. Thoughts? Jim Tynan Pike Road, AL *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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