An unplugged weekend in a plugged-in world

Pat Martin

The Signal Staff

For man to survive, he needs only three things:  food, water and shelter. Ask anyone nowadays, however, and he will tell you that it is impossible to live without things like the Internet or their cell phone.

I was recently approached with a proposition to go for one weekend without using any current technology. At first, I shrugged it off. I have always considered myself an avid outdoorsman. Just how hard could it be to spend one little weekend outdoors without some of the luxuries of modern day technology?

Everywhere I look I see evidence of just how dependent have become on technology. We have cell phones with texting, tweeting and the Internet right there at our fingertips, most even take photographs.  Nearly any public place offers free wireless Internet for our laptop computers. It is even built right into the new cars and trucks available on the market today.

How did our ancestors survive before all of these things were invented? Is it possible that they actually tuned into the nightly news broadcast from their non high-definition television and listened to what was going on around them? Did they actually sit around the table as a family and discuss their day?

These questions made me realize that we have become way too dependent on some of the modern day amenities that we call technology. I’m not badmouthing technology, but I think that we need to turn off some of our appliances and get back to some of the less modern ways of communication.

All of these thoughts were beginning to get to me and I knew that I needed to clear my mind. I did this the only way I knew how, out on the boat.

My first stumbling block came when I realized that I couldn’t check the weather report on the Internet, or log on to check out the current tide reports.

As I brewed a warm cup of coffee from my $200 espresso maker, I began to contemplate just what I’d got myself into.

I usually don’t like going on solo fishing trips, but on this particular day I thought it would be good for me. I backed the boat down to the ramp, turned off the old cell phone and prayed for the best.

I cruised out into the bay, a calm and peaceful feeling took over; just me, my boat and the occasional fish. No cell phones, no radio, just the sights and sounds of that old salty bay.

I caught a small fish and realized that this is how man must have lived nearly a hundred years before my time. It wasn’t dull or boring, and I never felt out of place.

I headed back toward the boat ramp with a cold beverage in my hand and I remembered that right about now I usually call my grandmother with a summary of the day’s catch. Today would be different, I would go and meet with her and my grandfather face to face to discuss the trip.

I washed down the old boat and cleaned a lonely flounder to take to my grandmother; it’s her favorite fish to eat. When I walked in the door, I was greeted by a surprised look on my grandmother’s face. She was very pleased to see that I came bearing gifts. I sat down and visited with my grandparents for nearly an hour Gran even whipped me up some dinner. This was surely better than any phone call.

I admit that I fell into the trap. I couldn’t go for one weekend without using technology, but it did feel good to go for a few hours. I challenge each one of you to go out and try to do the same. Unplug the appliances for one day, or even half a day, and go outside to enjoy whatever makes you happy. After all, the fish don’t care how technically savvy you are!