[pct-l] Phones and other issues

[David Thibault]

I understand the attraction of having a smart phone on the trail and can
definitely see that for many hikers this would be something they would want
to carry.

But  - I also think it is a great thing to be able to disconnect from
society for a while.  Especially for younger folks that may have never had
this experience - and may never get the chance again.

In today’s society it is expected that you will be reachable 24/7.   A thru
hike is a – opportunity – to disconnect.  You can use the excuse of the
thru hike to just say - hey I’ll be out of service;  I will have access in
towns when I get there – it’s an I’ll call you scenario.

Also I learned on my first thru hike to avoid the constant news cycle we
live in.  That is not to say a person could avoid a really big item (like
9/11) as other hikers will discuss it but just the day to day news.   For
me I found that I didn’t really miss anything by this and I gained
something.

A short trail story as to why I came to do this my illustrate my point.  On
the AT in ’07 I stopped for a zero at NOC.  I was just starting to really
feel like I was getting in tune with life on the trail.  On the morning I
was just about to head back out on the trail I picked up a discarded
newspaper and was blasted with a headline about a bunch of students a
Virginia Tech getting massacred.   I literally felt ill reading the story.  For
the next several days on trail thoughts of this event dominated my thoughts
when before this the trail had.  From that point forward I decided I was
going to tune out the world so that I could fully tune into the trail.  On
my PCT hike I avoid newspapers and TV  - it wasn’t difficult.  I really
never missed a thing news wise,  and I’m a news junky in life off the trail.


For each it’s an individual choice (HYOH etc) but I just bring these issues
up because I didn’t think of them when I was planning my hike  - they only
occurred to me after I was on the trail.
Day-Late

Elderly Ellen Wrote:


I have never been a techno person, but I loved having a smart phone with
me.  I didn't use it for connection on the trail.  It was my all-purpose
device.  Took photos with it.  Used it in town to find my way around.  For
example, in Big Bear, it gave me bus times and routes, the hours that
stores and post offices were open.  With fire detours, it helped me map out
alternatives.  This year, I'll have some music on it, not to use while
hiking, but for those cold, wet discouraging moments in camp when I might
need a bit of a pick me up.  When we flipped, we could map out our next
moves.   Of course, some people are using the map and gps apps.  Smart
phones are great!
For those who want to get map and compass skills, try and find a local
orienteering club.  It's a great resource and gives hiking practice on
rough terrain.
A reminder re medical stuff: while you are seeing your doc for any
prescriptions you might want for the trail, update your tetanus vaccine.
 It is much cheaper to do it before your hike than in the ER when you get a
laceration.
Elderly Ellen

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 18, 2012, at 11:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

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