Cellphones have changed so much about human behavior and our culture. At one time, not so long ago, our outside communication was limited by the length of our corded telephones. If you were out in the world, you needed a pocket full of change and a pay phone to connect with others.
When I took my annual Trout Trek across the west, I would call home once a week. There was a pay phone in the parking lot at the Slide In, on the Madison. If you were polite, the owner of the Grizzly Bar would let you make a call while you had one of their great burgers. Gas stations and public phones at rest stops were also an alternative.
Life went on. Things still went on 2,000 miles away without me. The same was true when we went on extended trips to Canada, or hunting camps for weeks on end. The world didn’t end, and we could focus on the sport and simplicity of where we were and what we were doing.
Street side public phone booths are a thing of the past. Modern superheroes like Superman, need another place to change into their uniforms. Maybe this is why fewer folks seem to be helping one another. If we had phone booths today, they would just be used as public toilets or tiny homes.
Its ok to be out of touch. Turning off modern cellphones is not a bad thing. Many of the remote places that I hunt do not even get cell phone signals. The whole point of getting away to relax is to be free of distractions and responsibility. When we fish and hunt, we can focus on fishing and hunting, or just being alone without interruptions.
For many of us, the modern phone’s best feature is the camera that is built into it. Texting also allows us to say less more quickly. The music apps are nice when playing our special playlists. I listen to Montana Grant’s Best when I drive around town. Thanks to other great apps, you always have a weather report, flashlight, and compass/clock.
When I hunt from a tree stand, I can be in contact with other hunting buddies in the same area or states away. We send instant pictures and timely reports. A selfie or two may also show up. When my Dad could no longer deer hunt, I would call him, as I sat in the woods with my tagged buck. He was the first to hear the story at the actual moment and could still be a part of the hunt.
The rest of cell phone needs are argumentatively worthless. Our survival is not dependent on gossip and constant chatter from others. We don’t need the ads, worthless likes and dislikes, meaningless banter, and dumb pictures. Politics can wait until we watch the news. We can make choices without a cell phone being shoved in front of us. Driving is safer without a cellphone in one hand.
The great thing about getting away is getting away! Turn off the cellphones. Focus on the hunt, fishing, or fun of what you are doing. If you need to get help, a flick of the switch will allow instant contact and salvation. Until then, listen to nature and your own thoughts. Celebrate the simplicity of being in touch with yourself and not the rest of the world.
It’s ok to be unavailable!
Montana Grant
