After kind of causing the problem, in the first place.
http://kdvr.com/2015/05/17/littleton-snowshoer-rescued-after-falling-off-icy-ledge/
Thanks to Drew W2OU for pointing this one out.
But in all seriousness folks, portable ops can seem harmless, but they come with their own hazards and some can be life threatening.
Just a few basic things to keep in mind:
Don't go hiking alone if you're unfamiliar with the trail. It's too easy to get lost. I speak of this one from personal experience. Once I was out on a hike in the Adirondacks on an unfamiliar trail for the first time, and I took a turn I shouldn't have and found myself off the trail. Fortunately, I kept calm, retraced my steps and found my way back quickly and easily. However, if you panic, all bets may be off. Moral of the story - two or more sets of eyes are better than one when looking for trail markers.
Always take along extra water, food and appropriate clothing. While it may be hot and sunny when you start out, weather can and often does change in a heart beat, so keep weather conditions in mind. For good measure, always bring along your VHF/UHF handheld, it could literally save your life.
Let someone know where you're going and approximately how long you'll be gone.
This is an obvious one, but people sometimes forget. If you can hear thunder, shut the station down! A storm does not have to be right on top of you to be a lightning threat. Lightning bolts can touch down more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm's leading edge.
Portable operating is about the most fun you can have in Amateur Radio, but you have to approach it in a common sense fashion.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!
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