Edit: Checking the Spot 2 user guide, on page 21 (P 11 in the PDF file), it says the on/off button blinks red when batteries are low.

Now it all makes so much sense....

I am red/green color blind. so maybe it did change colors.

It definitely wasn't an issue of the signal not getting out. After the hike, I tested it in Lone Pine and then back in L.A. when I got home.

Anyway, sorry to have maligned the SPOT II.