southern rockies

[annabellllll]

Hi everyone,

This feels like a dumb question, but I figure if you have to ask a dumb question you might as well do it where nobody knows you. Anyway, my friends and I are in college and are planning to camp and hike in the mountains of northern New Mexico sometime in late April or early May -- or, if the weather isn't good yet, in June. My parents, being the overprotective sort that they are, are freaking out and trying not to show it. I'm obviously going to get eaten by Bigfoot or something. Anyway, they want me to call them on my cell phone every day I'll be gone. Will that be possible? You know, can you even get a signal way out there in the southern Rocky Mountains? Or should I just tell 'em that I'm a big girl now and I'll call them as soon as I get back to civilization? (Can you tell we've already had a couple fights about this?) Your thoughts would be most welcome.

Annabel

[travelpunk]

Hey Anabel,

Welcome! I think the only way to get a guaranteed signal in the mountains, oceans, or deep canyons, are to have a satellite phone.

If they're that worried, just tell them, "Hey, if you really absolutely need me to call you, then you have to get me one of these phones, cuz that's not in my student budget ."

Otherwise, tell them you'll call back when you get back to civilization.

Make sure you pack a serious survival kit, food bars, lighter, matches, survival blankets, yada, yada, yada.....

Be safe and look forward to seeing ya more !

[freespiritz]

I agree, you're in college and should be fine taking care of yourself and hiking for a couple of days with friends! Tell them politely, respectfully and lovingly that you understand their concern but logically, you aren't going to actually be able to call because you won't have reception, and thus assume that no news is good news. And then just go. That's the way I roll, and they'll eventually learn to deal. Can't help it, we'll always be our parent's babies!

Oh and welcome to tpunk!

[TheJake]

Yeah there's not much reception from Santa Fe all the way into Colorado Springs really. It's spotty along that whole stretch of the I-25. Beautiful area though. Nice choice on destination.

[iomaggio]

First of all, I hope you end up choosing to go in June. You're talking about a high elevation area, and there's always a chance of a snowstorm coming through there as late as May. It'll be cold at night, too, so be prepared for that. About the phone calls, you might be able to get one signal every once in a while among all of you if you're in a high location (and whoever owns that phone shouldn't have to pay roaming charges, so pay for it with a onesuite account or something). Or if you're anywhere near a campground or highway store, there might be a pay phone (but don't count on it.) And I can't really comment with any certainty on you and your parents, but I think after you've done these trips a couple times they'll start to lighten up. Happy travels!