My previous post covered the SPOT GPS Locator which I believe is a critical piece of hiking equipment, especially for the solo hiker.  I had it with me on a hike to Steamboat Peak in a remote part of Montana last fall. While I was near the halfway point of 14 mile hike, I took a break to take some pictures and get some water. I apparently didn’t realize the SPOT became dislodged from my backpack until it was too late and all I could do was watch the device fall a few hundred feet off the cliff.

I figured it was gone for good as it seemed that it was too difficult to get down to grab it and get back to the car before sunset. Upset with myself, I made my way back and ended up buying another device a week or two later.

About a week later, I received a call on my cell phone from SPOT  representatives who informed me that a hiker not only found my device, but called the company to see if he could locate the owner.

As you can imagine, I was surprised that not only did someone find the SPOT, but that he was nice enough to take the time to call the company and then mail the unit to me. I have had a few nice conversations with the fellow hiker and plan to take him out for a beer next time I visit Montana. It’s kind of sad that the hiker’s act was so surprising, isn’t it?