I Am a Junkie

I have a confession to make. I am addicted. I didn’t realize I was until this week. Now I know for sure. I am a “plugged-in” junkie who is now unplugged and going through withdrawal. And, it isn’t pretty.

Part of the “Big Adventure” is to camp, get out in the wilderness, get back to nature, to be unplugged, to not have to see another Spongebob episode for at least a year. Not having a TV doesn’t bother me at all but, not having the internet and phone service has brought me to me knees and has made me at least a little bit grumpy.

We intended to camp at State Parks, National Parks, BLM Lands and National Forest lands because they are beautiful and cheaper than other campgrounds. Our rig, with its supply of fresh water and propane for fuel is capable of going off the grid for four or five days at a time which is an advantage. However, if you are parked in a place that takes you off the grid you are really off the grid- no internet, no phone service. Completely unplugged.

I would like to search out campgrounds and events, check the weather and research historical sites, check my email and post to the website and I CAN”T! I had no idea how dependent I had become on the ability to look up anything anytime and to connect with others daily. The whole world was at my fingertips. Not being able to plug-in has left me lost and immobilized. It’s pitiful.

I know I am dating myself but, we didn’t have computers and cell phones when I was growing up. Hand held calculators had just become available in 7th grade but, we were not allowed to use them or we got detention. The evolution of technology since that time has slowly and secretly developed a world full of dependence. Junkies. And, I am one of them.

I could break down and check into a private or franchised RV park that has all the amenities: laundry facilities, a pool, a playground, FREE INTERNET! But, the cost of these facilities can run the same as a hotel room which would shorten our trip significantly. There in lies the rub.

I imagine the resolution to this problem will be a combination of plugged-in and unplugged sites in carefully calculated doses so that I won’t be completely disconnected for days at a time and to also carefully plan for the days that I am left adrift.

So, until I finish going through withdrawal and work out yet another learning curve, please be patient if I don’t return your email or phone call and leave you thinking I am still in North Carolina when I am really in North Dakota.

“Our technological powers increase, but the side effects and potential hazards also escalate.” Alvin Toffler

P.S. To find out if you are a “junkie” too, just go unplugged for 48 hours, or even 24 hours. Go ahead, I dare ya.