Leaving technology behind

[Jstpssng]

My GPS is an invaluable tool, my smart phone with mapping technology is the cat's meow. Yet sometimes it's nice to get back to your roots. Today was one of those days.
I took a walk looking for a place to put in a road including a crossing on a decent sized stream, and hoped to find enough wood to pay for it. I've been studying air photos for 6 months and knew where I wanted to go. So I left all of the electronics in the truck, and struck off with just my compass which I didn't really need as the sun was out to keep me on track. It was rather nice, I covered about 2 miles, saw what I needed to see, and didn't miss the electronics one bit. :thumbsup:
That's also the way that I like to deer hunt, except that I do take a waypoint on my truck and carry the GPS "just in case."

 

[Thomas]

Getting back to basics...its good feeling. :thumbsup:

 

[bunyip]

Hear you loud and clear, been out fishing for a few days where there is no mobile phone coverage and watched some kids in campsites at an absolute loss without twitter etc, you would think the world had come to an end.

 

[CalG]

I feel your need.

I leave my phone here on the desk just about 24 hours a day. Sometimes I work in the woods without it, actually all the time, 'wouldn't want to loose it.
Most times I run into town for bar oil, fuel or steel without it too.

Scary I know, I'm trying to man up!

 

[BleedingOrange]

Way back in the day, I can remember when it use to be a status symbol to carry the first cell phones and battery the size of a small shoebox. To-day, it is a status symbol to be able to leave that stuff behind, and be able to go a day or 2 without being connected 24/7.

 

[VroomVroom]

I take in non-residents moose hunters. Been guiding since my teens and before cell phone and gps. We also snowmobiles a lot on the mountains where 25 miles in s straight line was far. With the gps now, you can go really far before it felt like you were far from home. When father and the uncles were going in “the country” only the best of days were chosen. Tools, food etc. You had to know where you were going and be able to know during low drift where you were. I still like the map and compass, it’s like a treasure map for me. I take the gps though now in case I lose myself on the map. But the biggest downfall is, where we had all the country to ourselves back then. There’s now hundreds of people that go in the same areas that only a select few saw 20 years ago.

 

[oosik]

For all those years in Alaska where I hunted moose every fall (1960 to 1981) - no cell phone, no GPS, no guided hunt. H-E-L-L, it was the '60's and 70's and none of our current "high tech" stuff even existed.

Now - I have a cell phone but NEVER take it with me when I leave home. I have GPS on my motorcycle but as long as there is gas in the tank - I'm never lost. And I've never run out of gas.

Occasionally you will read stories of how a cell phone or GPS saved a person who was out in the wilderness. You know - if they don't have the wilderness knowledge or the ability to survive in the wilderness - what are they doing out there anyway.

There has only been two times when I was truly lost and both were when I was attempting to navigate thru a big city. A mistake I made twice but never again. Now I navigate AROUND big cities.

 

[Groo]

If a deer jumps out and you end up in a ditch with a broken leg, you'd wish you had a cell phone.

They are very small and light tool that give way more security than a first aid kit or handgun, plus you already own it. Why wouldn't you at least stick it in a pocket powered down?

These days, if you are going out into the bush, and would want to get rescued if you are over-due, you have a moral obligation to have some form of emergency comunication so others aren't needlessly putting their own lives in danger, just to prove your own manliness.

 

[AWSubie]

I think we can all agree that an understanding of "old school" basics and a working knowledge of high tech gadgetry is a nice combination.

 

[oosik]

Groo - we have no idea where you are located but around here in most of Ea WA state - you will only get cell phone service when you are in a town. Get ten miles outside the town - Zero service.

And yes - even though I've ridden motorcycle for 50 plus years without an accident that doesn't mean I can't have an accident. And like I said - if carrying a cell phone makes you feel safe - go for it. Around here and where I travel its just about equal to a handful of monkey poo.

Tell me exactly what I'm expected to do with a cell phone and zero service - if I get in an accident. Crap - what am I expected to do with a cell phone and zero service under normal conditions........

For some UKN reason I get the feeling you seldom venture beyond the big city light - Groo.

If you can't go into the bush without technology - then I suggest you stay the H-e-l-l out of the bush.