Hi, I'm thinking about getting a walkie-talkie pair for emergency
communication between my elderly parents and me when I'm building my
house nearby. It's mountainous. A local told me his cell phone
works only 70% of the time. I'd rather not pay for service anyway.
The site is about 1000 feet through the woods from my parents house.
I can't see their house from my site but I'm guessing it's blocked
more by trees than hills. Assume I get 2W GMRS/FRS motorola type
units.

Will they work?

Is there a better alternative? How about CB? Shortwave?

Is getting that GMRS licence difficult --assuming I already know basic
radio electronics?

If this doesn't work out I'll just get them a nice loud canned air
horn!

--zeb