Wilderness Act ~ "outstanding opportunities for solitude"
Jun 4, 2017 12:06:09 GMT -8
rebeccad, johnnyray, and 4 more like this
Post by RumiDude on Jun 4, 2017 12:06:09 GMT -8
The 1964 Wilderness Act offers a definition: "A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape ..." In this definition, there are some characteristics which are generally laid out, among which is this, "has outstanding opportunities for solitude". This is one character of Wilderness which I have come to value greatly. Though it wasn't always the foremost reason for going backpacking and hiking, it quickly became the most important to me.
Lately I have noticed a trend that in my mind undermines that solitude. I am not talking about overcrowded trails or proximity to highways and such, I am talking about the proliferation of electronic communication devices: Smartphones, SPOT devices, InReach devices, sat phones, etc. This also includes camera and video devices used in conjunction with these.
PCT hikers have a spreadsheet of areas where cellphone coverage is available with columns and rows for mile markers, devices used, the carrier, and signal strength along, with comments. YouTube has video after video of mindless crap from not just the AT and PCT, but hiking everywhere. The crap I am talking about are not the videos showing scenic photos or panoramas. I am not even talking about videos which document happenings or "life" on the trail, I am talking about videos of people mostly talking into the camera as they walk. The PCT Class f 2017 FB page is full of videos and photos and messages uploaded from the trail.
I have read many threads on backpacking forums talking about SPOT and InReach devices and particularly how these are used by people. Several people like to use the OK button on their SPOT to tell their loved ones they are OK. Others argue that InReach is better because you can actually have two way communication and send messages. They like a short chat with their family each even or so.
When I was a volunteer backcountry ranger in Olympic National Park I carried a radio. I was required to radio in each morning and each evening, checking in with my location. This was seemingly a small thing, but it detracted from the "feeling" of solitude. Additionally I was required to have my radio on with all the radio traffic coming in during the day. That further detracted from my wilderness experience. I have considered a SPOT or InReach for the sake of my spouse, but so far I have rejected that course. I might get a PLB, but we shall see. Everything which ties me to the outside world detracts from my solitude and Wilderness experience. I realize these are my personal feelings.
I really like "being out there". I hope that communicates that feeling I am trying to express. I know this is an aesthetic or numinous feeling. It is like when people say that the wilderness is their church. To the degree that something makes me feel connected to the outside world, to that degree I feel less connected to the wilderness and detracts from my wilderness experience.
NOTE: I am not saying people should not have SPOT or InReach. I am not saying people should not take pictures or video while hiking. I am not saying people should not take their smartphone with them on backpacking trips.
Lately I have noticed a trend that in my mind undermines that solitude. I am not talking about overcrowded trails or proximity to highways and such, I am talking about the proliferation of electronic communication devices: Smartphones, SPOT devices, InReach devices, sat phones, etc. This also includes camera and video devices used in conjunction with these.
PCT hikers have a spreadsheet of areas where cellphone coverage is available with columns and rows for mile markers, devices used, the carrier, and signal strength along, with comments. YouTube has video after video of mindless crap from not just the AT and PCT, but hiking everywhere. The crap I am talking about are not the videos showing scenic photos or panoramas. I am not even talking about videos which document happenings or "life" on the trail, I am talking about videos of people mostly talking into the camera as they walk. The PCT Class f 2017 FB page is full of videos and photos and messages uploaded from the trail.
I have read many threads on backpacking forums talking about SPOT and InReach devices and particularly how these are used by people. Several people like to use the OK button on their SPOT to tell their loved ones they are OK. Others argue that InReach is better because you can actually have two way communication and send messages. They like a short chat with their family each even or so.
When I was a volunteer backcountry ranger in Olympic National Park I carried a radio. I was required to radio in each morning and each evening, checking in with my location. This was seemingly a small thing, but it detracted from the "feeling" of solitude. Additionally I was required to have my radio on with all the radio traffic coming in during the day. That further detracted from my wilderness experience. I have considered a SPOT or InReach for the sake of my spouse, but so far I have rejected that course. I might get a PLB, but we shall see. Everything which ties me to the outside world detracts from my solitude and Wilderness experience. I realize these are my personal feelings.
I really like "being out there". I hope that communicates that feeling I am trying to express. I know this is an aesthetic or numinous feeling. It is like when people say that the wilderness is their church. To the degree that something makes me feel connected to the outside world, to that degree I feel less connected to the wilderness and detracts from my wilderness experience.
NOTE: I am not saying people should not have SPOT or InReach. I am not saying people should not take pictures or video while hiking. I am not saying people should not take their smartphone with them on backpacking trips.
