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October 30, 2007
Cell phones on the trail?
Have you ever spent the day hiking a trail, and when you finally reach your destination, some inconsiderate boob is yacking away on his cell phone? I vividly recall an instance from 7 years ago when I was awoken in Icewater Springs Shelter in the Smokies at 6 AM by a VERY LOUD hiker who felt compelled to call his wife to remind her to bring diet soda to trailhead later that afternoon. What an awful way to start a day!
Recently Leave No Trace released guidelines for cellphones on the trail. They are as follows;
- It is recognized that many outdoor recreationists carry cell phones for safety and emergencies. Be considerate of other visitors: carry and use cell phones out-of-sight and sound of other people. Keep them turned off until needed or left in a pocket on the "vibrate" or "silent" ringer setting.
- Be self reliant, whether carrying cell phones or not. Don't leave ill-prepared or engage in risky actions just because you have a cell phone to call for rescue. Remember that in many remote areas cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent.
- Many people go to the out-of-doors to get away from technology. Please respect their desire for solitude and be considerate when using a cell phone.
What do you thing of these loose guidelines? Please think about it and submit a comment to let your voice be heard.
Conservation | By Jeffrey Hunter | 11:13 AM
