[at-l] Cell Phones - It's Not the Phone, It's The Courtesy That Matters

[russboltz@comcast.net (russboltz@comcast.net)]

One assumption a lot of backpackers make is that "manmade" things or "technology" on trails "isn't natural", and thus to be avoided and criticized. And I admit that I have little use for the "boombox/portable office" types when they play music in shelters or sit there tapping a keyboard or arguing with their broker along the side of a trail.  But then I don't appreciate the thoughtless section hikers having a riotous conversation early in the morning, or the tokers stinking up the place with weed...although "talking" and "herb" are "natural". 

Equally, I don't recall a single AT thru hiker I've seen who wasn't "technology dependent" in the sense of new, high-tech gear. As an antique who remembers canvas backpacks (and without frames, unless you made it yourself out of wood), metal gear, and cooking over wood because there was no alternative, I look at titanium pots, "pocket rocket" stoves, "sil tarp" fabrics and all the other goodies as the epitome of "high technology".  

I don't think the question is "technology", but "courtesy." In a word, is a hiker activity one that will interfere with the right of others to enjoy the hiking area? If it's intrusive, I don't think it matters if it's a cell phone or a red tent. And neither is wrong per se...take the cell phone or the red tent 100 yards off the AT and I don't care about them; stick them under my nose at Charlie's Bunion, and I'll freak out. 

It just takes a little thought ahead of time. On the other hand, not everyone thinks; as Dan Quayle said, "A mind is a terrible thing to have. Or not have. Or both." 

The Weasel



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