Several years ago, my husband and I purchased cell phones to use for communicating when out of our home and in case of an emergency. They have served us well in such "emergencies" as flat tires and keys accidentally locked in the car.
On Sunday, July 20th, we faced a true emergency. While driving back from Redfish Lake a truck ahead of us failed to negotiate a right hand curve, left the road, traveled up the embankment and into a tree. We stopped to assist, along with a group of motorcyclists who were riding directly behind the truck and other concerned individuals.
The passenger was unharmed and we were asked to call 911 for help. We continued on, hoping to have reception by the time we reached the summit. It was completely disheartening as we drove on with "no signal." By the time we reached Galena Lodge it had been almost 15 minutes. In medical emergencies every minute counts. We made the call from there and learned that someone had already called from Smiley Creek.
It was a somber ride home thinking of the family we left on the side of the road waiting for help. How ironic that the lead story from the July 16th Express reads, "Galena Summit cell tower denied..." In arriving at that decision, Jane Kollmeyer "had to consider the attractive qualities that draw thousands of visitors to the SNRA each year." Mr. Schmidt and his family were no doubt enjoying those same qualities that weekend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
We find it hard to imagine that one 90 foot tower visible from certain vantage points "would visibly dominate the landscape" any more than the blight of dead and dying trees which have dominated the SNRA landscape for years.
Pat and Michael Barto
Indian Creek
