The Outdoor Blogger Network is a network that I visit on a daily basis. It has only been up and running for a few months to date and I've enjoyed the tips, features and gear giveaways they have had so far. The creators put in a lot of work to keep it up-to-date and share a lot of helpful tips. I'm happy to be a part of it.
Today, there was a new posting regarding pictures that you never want other people to see because they're embarrassing or shamefully funny in someway, as it relates to your blog of course. The posting challenged the OBN members to post these pictures on their blogs for fun. At first, I said to myself, "I definitely don't have any photos that fall into this category". As the day progressed, I decided to review some of my photo albums at lunch and again thought, "yup, I don't have anything that I could post", proud of myself that I haven't had an embarrassing moment on the trail, caught as a JPEG, that is. Just then, I came across this photo.
You see, when I step foot on the trail, I try to forget all the stress in my life. The time is about being with my wife and enjoying nature in all of its beauty. However, on this one particular day, on the trek up Mount Jackson in the White Mountains, my Blackberry buzzed...and it was within reaching distance. I decided to look at the email that I had just received and realized it was business critical. So, I decided to reply on the trail at about 3000 feet. As I hit send, I heard a giggle and looked over at Jill snapping a picture of me. She said, "wait until I post this one!" and of course, I never let her. But now it is posted...and yes, I'm ashamed.
So here it is Outdoor Blogger Network, the one I'd like to forget! :)
I am often thankful when I find myself on a trail without cell service. But what I hate is when that cell service suddenly reappears above a certain elevation. It has happened to me more then once. I often use my phone as a GPS and suddenly when I get to a mountain summit all the text messages I'v missed start poring in.
ReplyDeleteKarl - I thought there would be a shot of you stuck in that NH version of fat man squeeze! If that's all you got, someone is not taking enough pictures.
ReplyDeleteHi Steven - I know what you mean, I can think of several times I have dropped my pack on a summit, sat down to pull out my lunch, and then all of a sudden my phone starts buzzing like crazy for five minutes or so...very annoying. I keep it with me more for emergency purposes, but is usually just a pain in the neck.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim - That picture you're talking about never was taken...but there was certainly an opportunity for it. Once on Welch-Dickey and once on Mt. Morgan, both in NH. They were tight squeezes...and I was too lazy to take my pack off!
Oh no, there are some places the cell shouldn't go. =)
ReplyDeleteFound your blog throgh OBN. I am hitting the "follow" button right now.
The Average Joe Fisherman
http://averagejoefisherman.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ryan,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you stopping by...and yes, I certainly shouldn't be using my cell on the trail!
I'll be stopping by The Average Joe Fisherman blog later today, to check it out.
Again, thanks for following!
Karl
Karl,
ReplyDeleteI think Robin has a pic like that of me as well. The times I'm caught with a cell in hand while on the trail are few and far between for sure. I'm like you I rather not deal with it but in the case of work sometimes it's an evil I'd rather not have.
As for emergencies though, I normally don't depend on the cell. I always have my Yaesu VX-170 Ham Radio Handie Talkie on the pack if we are doing more than a couple of miles.
Love the blog. Glad you are following ours. Care to do a link exchange?
Thanks,
Tim
http://appalachiaandbeyond.blogspot.com
Hi Tim,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I've been wanting to get a two way radio. Definitely on my list and from what I've heard, very good in an emergency.
I've add your blog to my blog roll. It is a great addition.
Thanks,
Karl
Hey Karl,
ReplyDeleteYes two ways are pretty good. You go up a notch though and get a Ham license and then get a two meter radio for the trail. The FRMS/GRS two ways are limited in range, but a 2 meter handie at 5 watts out can hit repeaters over 50 miles out or more and then repeat your signal over a much larger distance.
The one thing Robin and I would eventually like to do is co-mingle the Ham Radio and Hiking hobbies and have a portable set up to where we can have a portable HF radio, power supply and antenna to string up when we crest a mountain and make contacts around the world while on top of the mountain.
BTW, we've added your blog to our link list as well.
Tim