[pct-l] Phones and other issues

[enyapjr at comcast.net]

> 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.

I agree, though not necessarily from "society" (the trail community is after 
all a 'society' unto itself somewhat!), but from the 'news' and the 24/7 
connected mentality too many people have nowadays...
For me, it's refreshing and rejuvenating being disconnected for a few days!!

> Also I learned on my first thru hike to avoid the constant news cycle we
> live in.

On the trail, "I get the news I need on the weather report. Oh, I can gather
all the news I need on the weather report." - as on the 2003 Class PCT DVD (!), 
from "The Only Living Boy in New York" by Simon & Garfunkel...
(Actually, I don't really 'need' a weather report - having spent a great deal 
of time outdoors I can predict the weather fairly well!)
If one does not 'disconnect', then IMHO one cannot truly immerse themselves 
into the trail life and the 'good' that will come from that for the rest of
their lives... But, as was said - HYOH...

I have yet to own a smart phone, but I do 'plan' on getting one before any long
distance hikes in the future - but I also plan to have it 'off' almost all the
time while hiking out on the trail(s)...
Smart phones have become a very 'convenient' multipurpose tool for long distance
hiking - many 'functions' in a relatively small, lightweight package...
With a smart phone one can carry apps instead of books - wildflowers, trees,
animals & their tracks, birds, geology, astronomy, e-reader for e-books, etc. 
(perhaps Wilderness Press will release e-book versions when/if they update the 
PCT guidebooks?!?!?)...
GPS, loaded waypoints & maps (but NOT to replace 'paper' maps & compass!)...
Journaling - especially with sites like Postholer Journals, very 'mobile' friendly!
Camera - to directly & easily attach 'daily' photos to the above journal (but 
I would still carry a digital camera for most on the trail & 'must save' photo ops).
Music for those so inclined - but I don't 'need' music when hiking - nature
itself is 'music' to my ears! ;-)
Internet - check weather, snow conditions, wildfires, trail conditions -
email capability (and if you have it, don't forget to help update AsABat's water
report or PCTA's trail conditions, please!)...

What else? Oh, yeah - cell phone!! - especially with pay phones disappearing -
communication IF you want it - when 'in town', one should get a cell 'connection' 
to phone 'home' & talk to family/friends, actually hearing their voices instead of
'imagining' it...

So, yes, I will have a smart phone with me, but I will be 'disconnected' most of the 
time while on the trail (and also plan on ignoring newspapers & TV AMAP, too)...

HYOH, etc. ...
Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)