Hello, and welcome to the landing page for Carl’s various GPS trackers.  I have two trackers which might have sent you here:

• A Garmin InReach Mini – a tracker with bidirectional communications.  Follow me or send messages here.  This is my newer tracker, and the one I am more likely to be using.
• A GPS Spot – a tracker with one way communication.  With this tracker you can follow my location here. There is no way for me to receive messages this device, and I cannot send any detailed or up to date information. With this device I can send simple pre-canned messages.   I can only send one of the four messages below:
  • Check-in – Everything is fine.  Just a routine “here I am” check-in.
  • Custom Check-in – Everything is fine. Custom check-in message, which probably means I’ve reached a notable milestone on my trip, such as a mountain top or a finish line.
  • Help – I need help. My situation is not life threatening, but if I am sending this it means I am really stuck and I need someone to get me. I cannot self rescue.  I may send this if I’ve suffered a mechanical break down I cannot field repair or I am otherwise stranded. When someone gets to me, I will send one of the above “OK” messages to let everyone know I’ve been helped.  Since I do not have two-way communications, I cannot provide more details or coordinate among those who receive this message.
  • SOS/Emergency – I REALLY need help.  Call 911.  I am injured or otherwise need emergency assistance. If you get message, the GPS Spot service is supposed to alert local authorities, but I’m not sure how reliable they are, and I expect that any of my friends reading this message will know more about my situation. You should also call the authorities in my area and apprise them of my plans.

Happy travels!