#cairnsafetyapp

[cairnme]

Thanks to all the friends, family, beta testers, and others who joined us at the launch party last week.  Cairn was born out of frustration with lack of cell coverage and trying to link up with friends on a backpacking trip deep in the Cascades of WA State.  We are passionate about staying connected and safe in the wilderness.  Here’s a picture of Graham inspiring us with his talk on the last expedition blazing routes in the Karakoram.

[cairnme]

Introducing Cairn

Today we are launching Cairn, a new iOS app that helps you stay in touch and safe while enjoying the outdoors.  With Cairn in your pocket, you’ll know where to find spots with cell coverage, and you’ll be keeping your emergency contacts up to date.

When you start a Cairn, you’re taking precautions for yourself by sharing your plans with the people that care enough to come looking for you. But you’re also becoming part of something bigger — you’re building the cell phone coverage map of the wilderness that may someday save lives.

We are proud and excited to welcome everyone to Cairn. Download Cairn now and prepare for your next adventure!

The Cairn Team

Tove, Ali, Nick & Graham

[cairnme]

Cairn Launch Celebration

You're invited to a VIP prefunk to celebrate the imminent launch of Cairn. Following the prefunk, our own Graham Zimmerman will be giving a slideshow presentation to a wider audience on his summer trailblazing new routes in the Karakoram.

Please join us before the presentation for drinking and light bites. Meet the Cairn team to swap stories and talk about the new app. RSVP by email at [email protected]. There is no cost for the pre-launch party but there is a $5 charge for the Karakoram presentation at 7pm. Cairn has purchased tickets for the first 30 people who RSVP to the pre-launch party.  http://www.cairnme.com/

RSVP by email:  [email protected]

[cairnme]

6 Best Spots for Beaver Supermoon Viewing in WA State

Wondering when and where in Washington to view the Beaver Supermoon, which is the biggest since 1949?  On Monday, November 14th, starting early in the morning (around 5am)  a supermoon (14% larger) last seen nearly 70 years ago will be visible in the Northern hemisphere .  Here’s our selection of the best places to view this double treat. We chose these places for their open-sky views and also because they face the moon (90°E to 125°SE on your compass). We’ve included info on cell coverage in case you want to post real-time pics to your social media platform of choice. 

Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park — Gain most of your elevation in the car and then hike up to one of the high points above the Visitor Center. If the weather is clear, view the sunset and then turn around for the eclipse.  

Paradise at Mt. Rainier — Take one of the many trails up from the visitor center or Paradise lodge till you find a good spot.  There are spotty Verizon and AT&T coverage points.

Mt. Pilchuck lookout off the Mt. Loop Highway — Coverage here is spotty, so this is a good option for those of you that can wait a day to share your photos.  We don’t recommend hiking back at night, and camping in the lookout is an experience not to miss. If you’re squeamish about rodents, use a hammock.

Frenchman’s Coulee, Vantage — Spots to view and photograph the wide-open sky are abundant here. Cell coverage is good in general, with Verizon being the best. 

Cave B Winery, Quincy — Hike up to a high point (such as the Babcock Bench Trail) or hang out in the hot tub with a bottle of 2011 Cab Franc (our favorite).  You’ll get Verizon coverage, but the inn also provides free WiFi.

Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth — A good bet for clear skies. Find a spot in the open field or near the river, facing east. The resort has WiFi, but there’s also spotty Verizon and AT&T coverage. Sprint coverage is non-existent.

The Cairn app makes sharing plans easy and shows you where to find cell coverage. Download it from the iOS App Store. 

Photo: Tom Evans / elcapreport.com 

[cairnme]

New Cairn T-shirts! Find us on the trail and stop to chat.