Not a cell phone user or an owner of one, but would like an honest answer............

[Hairbear]

Since I'm a clueless weekender, I can bring my smartphone without worrying too much about battery life. And I can't get over the reaction that some people have to it.

It never rings or gives me a text on the trail. because I leave it in airplane mode to save power unless I'm trying to get a message out - and I walk away from others on the rare occasions that I do. (The messages are mostly either, "Honey, expect me for pickup early," or "Honey, expect me for pickup late.") I'm not talking loudly on it in the midst of a group. In fact, the "expect me early/late" is usually a text rather than a call.

But it really peeves some people if I keep a journal on it. (They don't seem to have a problem with pencil, notebook, and headlamp, but the little screen really gets their goat.)

Or if I consult GPS on it. (But a handheld GPS doesn't bother most of them in the least - and as for the rest, they tend to be mollified if I tell them I'm old enough to have learnt pretty fair map-and-compass skills back in the day, so I know enough not to use GPS as my primary reference.)

Or if I read a book on it. (But they don't seem to mind my pulling out a paperback novel.)

Or even if they just know it's in my pack and I don't have it out at all. (Because somehow it ruins the whole wilderness experience just by being there.)

Anyone care to explain to this clueless weekender what's more disturbing about the newfangled way than the traditional way of doing these things? Is it just that by its very presence, it reminds people that the city world is out there? Or that it reminds people of other cell-phone users who make less of an effort to be polite?

its about quiet desperation,people in real life are overwhelmed by constant change,so they go to desolate places to verify to themselves that all this change is unnecesary,not that they cant learn fast enogh to keep up.then low and behold there that darn technology is even out here.it makes us all feel so hopeless to ever be content.

[Penn-J]

You can let it bother you or you can ignore it. Earlier this year I climbed Mt. Whitney and the first thing my hiking buddies did when we got to the top and found out we got singnal was pull out thier phones and start texting/calling people etc...

I simply found a secluded spot and enjoyed the amazing view. I simply refuse to let the actions of others dictate my happiness or inner peace.


Horsey cartoon.bmp

[Maddog]

You can let it bother you or you can ignore it. Earlier this year I climbed Mt. Whitney and the first thing my hiking buddies did when we got to the top and found out we got singnal was pull out thier phones and start texting/calling people etc...

I simply found a secluded spot and enjoyed the amazing view. I simply refuse to let the actions of others dictate my happiness or inner peace.


Horsey cartoon.bmp

+1 Amen, brother!!! Maddog

[louisb]

If I didn't carry a cell phone I would never get out on the trail. To many responsibilities that require me to be accessible at least most of the time. Plus mine takes damn good pictures, I have around 30 books stored on it and it fits in my pocket.

--louis

[Different Socks]

They finally came up with a term for those that can't seem to do without their electronics on the trail(or else where):

"electronic narcotics ".

[Different Socks]

"You can let it bother you or you can ignore it. Earlier this year I climbed Mt. Whitney and the first thing my hiking buddies did when we got to the top and found out we got singnal was pull out thier phones and start texting/calling people etc..."

Yes, but why did they think that was the first thing they had to do after accomplishing such as they did?

[mag]

+1 Amen, brother!!! Maddog

Thank you - I like your spirit. My husband and I hit the trail to get away from the everyday world including phones. So we leave ours at home. Kindles, however, we can't live without. Everyone has to hike their own hike, right?

[BFI]

Heres the perfect Cell Phone for youHumor 412944186.jpg