The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step; what a wonderful idea.
But those are not my words. Wouldn’t it be amazing if they were? I would be the next stage for the ages for sure. However, this is an idiom dangerously approaching platitude; used, abused, and overused by hikers describing their own hikes as an analogy to life. It is nonetheless axiomatic. My real accomplishment here is fitting three flashy $10 words into two sentences! But that was my original goal anyway, and I digress.
It’s funny the things you think about as you hike. Today I was thinking about this silly introduction to today’s trip journal. I was also thinking about how much our current technology supports, enhances, and ultimately ruins the outdoors experience. Don’t get me wrong, cell phone service in the deep woods is definitely important in case of an emergency. It allows us the freedom to walk confidently, knowing that a safety net just happens to sit in our very pocket.
But here’s the rub. You sit silently, perched atop an enormous rock precipice, overlooking an immense gorge, with a river running nearly 1000 feet below you. The weather has been pleasant but blustery. The sun pops in and out of the fast-moving clouds creating an ever-changing landscape of shadows, and you haven’t seen another soul in the last three hours! You become the lord of your domain. For the moment, you own this place. Your mind wanders as you imagine sitting here forever. The smell of pine needles permeates your being. Massive trees sway in the wind. You grab the dusty earth in your hands. It feels soft and cold as the small sandy grains runs through your fingers, and then…what in the world is that noise?
Oh, it’s your phone. You forgot to put the ring on silent. Your only link back to civilization decided this was the proper occasion to butt-dial mom, and now she is frantically calling you back fearing that grave disaster has stricken. Yes, Mom, I’m okay. No, I won’t be home in time for dinner. I love you very much, Mom. I’m just having a good time sitting here in the woods. Thanks for calling!
In the matter of a heartbeat, you are pulled out of your primal near-perfect heaven back into the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It is almost certainly, and singularly the most potent moment killer. It’s worse than receiving a phone call in a quiet theatre. Worse than getting a call in a bathroom stall. In that one tiny instant the magnificence of nature loses a little bit of its luster.
Just let me be clear, in no uncertain terms do I blame my mother. I appreciate her calling. It was very nice of her to check on me. I blame my phone and the overzealous engineers striving for technological perfection.
The other issue (and for my own personal situation far less important) is using technology as a crutch. The presence of a technological safety net (such as a working phone) may encourage some brave souls to engage in activities far beyond their skill level or abilities. If you rely too heavily on your phone you may rationalize: I’m out here in the woods alone, and if I break a leg climbing this rock, then I can just call search and rescue to come get me in their helicopter, right? Easy, peasy, Japanesy.
Wrong. Your phone works very well on high ridge tops. It does not work well in deep valleys and rock-strewn gorges. In order for your phone to work, the signal must be able to reach the nearest tower. And what if your device got wet during your last water crossing? Besides, some people do not need encouragement to do stupid things in the wilderness.
And finally, cell phones require power to operate. Who brought a charger?
I am not against carrying a cell phone into the woods. I think they are an invaluable tool, especially if you have a legitimate emergency. Some phones even have GPS/topographic map capability. The ability to take pictures is awesome as well. No more carrying bulky camera equipment, no more carrying a GPS; now you have a lifeline to the outside world. All three important functions are now included in one small, lightweight electronic device. I get it. And I don’t blame you for having one. I will always have mine.
As with any technological advancement, there is always the potential to change our perceptions of the world around us. But life is a constant battle; we learn, we grow, we learn, we grow. It is something we will continue to do until we draw our last dying breath. Life is a journey of a thousand miles, right?
Making sure that I put my phone on silent before embarking is just one more detail I will have to add to my pre-adventure checklist. *sigh*