Reliance on GPS navigation systems not recommended

[David Cournoyer]

Lifey, thanks for the tip on Beartooth Highway. The AAA trip planner gave me that route by default from Billings, MT to the K bar Z ranch outside of Cody, WY were I will be staying. I picked up the benchmark map suggested in this thread and the Beartooth Highway and Pass looks like a wild ride, but potentially great. Know anything about gas availability along that stretch?

[Southwest Dave]

There is no shortage of gas stations in Yellowstone, but I would top up your tank in Billings or Red lodge [the latter only slightly dearer than the cheapest in Billings] as it will be be cheaper than in the NP.

[glc]

There is no gas between Red Lodge and Cooke City that I'm aware of - no big deal, that's only 65 miles. Even if you take the Beartooth, then head back to Cody on the Chief Joseph Highway, it's only 115 miles.

When I was up there last fall, I filled up in Jackson, then headed up through Grand Teton NP, then up through Yellowstone and on out to West Yellowstone for the night. The next day, I went back through Yellowstone and drove around for half a day, then took the Beartooth out and didn't get gas again till I got to Billings.

[CalOldBlue]

All my cars come with a feature that warns me when the gas dips below about a half tank. The lower it gets the more insistent the alarm gets. It's called "Linda".

[Lifemagician]

Know anything about gas availability along that stretch?

If I recall correctly, there is the Top of the World store where fuel is available... at a price! But, as already mentioned, If you fill up at one of the places above, there should not be any need to fill up again until after you are through the park.

I suggest that you stop at the store and avail yourself of their great hot chocolate or coffee - serve yourself, 85 cents in 2009. A great place to take a break. Just make sure your camera is fully charged... you'll need it.

... and Pass looks like a wild ride, but potentially great.

It is a fantastic road - my kinda ride - but be assured it will take you three or four hours (including photo stops) to drive it. Of course if like me, you get 'lost' among all the treasures in the Store, it will take even longer. But worth every minute of it!!

[Foy]

Fellow travelers,

In late August, the Elko County, NV Sheriff's office noted another search for the remains of Albert Chretien had then recently taken place. No sign of his body or his GPS unit were found. The Sheriff plans no further searching, but noted it's possible autumn hunters will find something.

Keep those maps and compasses on board, folks, and know how to use them.

Foy

[CalOldBlue]

I know they cost a couple hundred bucks (or a little more), but if you're going to be in the habit of going into the boonies, either on wheels or by foot, it could save your life.

Personal Locator Beacons. Now portable and available for public purchase. Fire yours up and it sends a signal to the SARSAT (Search and Rescue Sattellite) system "come and get me".

Just needs a clear view of the sky; no cell towers needed.

Just my two cents.

[Lifemagician]

Would have to agree, CalOldBlue.

Though I had to be talked into it, it was a great source of comfort and confidence on my trip into Outback Australia. I was able to hire one locally, for a mere fraction of the purchase price. From the company I learned that they rent out hundreds, every month. On their website they document the stories of some of the folk whom they have rescued.

I wonder if they are available for hire in the US. As one who likes to get off the beaten path, it could be useful.

On the other hand, as I read it, the Chretiens had not planned to go off road.... they were led astray by their gps. And as such, probably would never have thought to prepare for that.

It is a conundrum!

Lifey

[glc]

Yes, you can rent them here. 30 bucks a week for a PLB and 40 bucks a week for a EPIRB. You can buy a PLB for less than $300 on amazon.com.

[Foy]

Yes, you can rent them here. 30 bucks a week for a PLB and 40 bucks a week for a EPIRB. You can buy a PLB for less than $300 on amazon.com.

Here I'll encourage any with the time, expertise, and inclination to make a new post discussing the PLB and EPIRB units. While purchase of one seems logical for the frequent back country driver, I wonder about the long-term ownership requirements in terms of signal testing and battery maintenance/life, as I seem to recall EPIRBs used in marine applications must undergo regular testing, etc.

We never made the July 2011 trek through the area where the Chretiens became marooned--snow had key passes closed even into early July. We're now pondering (read: daydreaming) about a mega-traverse from Rogerson, ID, through Jarbidge, Bruneau Canyon (Rowland), Mountain City, Jack Creek, and Midas, to Golconda, NV, in mid-July 2012. Something like 200 miles sans asphalt (excepting just a bit at Mountain City), with drive-ups of Merritt Mountain and Porter's Peak. If our group attempts this, we'll probably want a signal unit of some sort on board, so I am interested in the devices.

Foy