The web of perhaps some excessive electronic stuff that together almost weighs more than my clothes.
O.K. I have brought with me my little computer, which I have used ALOT, my Kindle, which has been a god send, my camera – also indispensible – my cell phone, which has been marginally useful for communication and mostly aqs an alarm clock, but costly, and SPOT – GPS locator and check-in – so far limited in its use. All have niche uses and in the case of SPOT have travel journal and Blog capabilities which would only duplicate my blog. In addition I took a Hostelling International membership, which I have yet to use, which came with a phone card which I have charged up but not used and whose site has all the capabilities of SPOT and my Blog.
So you can see the overlap and duplication. For the most part I focus on my Blog, which has taken a couple of hours everyday., Navigating and learning to use the features of SPOT and HI-e-kit has yet to have too much of my time. So far given my particular form of travel, i could probably do awat with SPOT. But it would be indispensible and likely will be in Africa where I am trekking in a more dangerous country.
Too many electronics can just weigh you down, worrying about them, paying for them and updating their digital information sites.
Sometimes you just long for a postcard approach. Those were the days.
I would love to get a post card, but I’m not writin BACK. I need an ipone or torch, my eyes are gettin bad tryin to read you on my Bold.
Always sarcastic!!! I still have the one letter you wrote me when I lived in Paris in a frame – that is a rare item. Nah blogging is easier – just try making your font bigger if you can’t read! It’s the SPOT I probably could have done away with. Too many things to stay on top of.
But it is little! and it puts you on a google map and you can include it’s link location on your blog. (input incessant whining voice!)
Yes I know, and it has its uses – I think more for it you are tramping up a mountain or biking through South America as you and Jerry did. My travel so far is a bit different. It often takes quite awhile for it to register and I have to be outside which is usually where I am not when I think about it. Then I have to switch from the OK message to the tracking and sometimes one or the other doesn’t take and I have to keep watching it. Then I have to go to the site to be sure it has taken then send the tracks or messages to SPOT adventure if I want to keep the locations. I haven’t figured out all of it yet and with all the other things I am trying to keep up with, it is just one more. So I am not complaining, just noting that when something is not straightforward and simple, it ceases to be as useful. But I have not given up on it. I am sure it will be useful in Africa for my short visit there.