What an awesome birthday–to celebrate, Lisa took me to hear Senator Tim Kaine talk at the Taubman Museum in Roanoke about his new book, Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside. As he approached his 60th birthday, Senator Kaine sought to accomplish his own version of the Virginia triple crown by hiking all of the Appalachian Trail miles in Virginia, biking all of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Parkways in Virginia, and paddling the length of the James River in Virginia. He did this over several years, during long weekends and breaks from his Senate duties. He journaled about this journey, and assembled these pieces into a book.
I’ve read all of the hiking portion of his book. He mixes stories about the trials and tribulations on the trail with stories about life, family, and his time in politics. I’ve read a lot of thru hiker books but not as many by section hikers like Tim Kaine–it’s a different type of planning and experience trying to squeeze in hikes with life responsibilities rather than set things aside for 4-5 months. Senator Kaine appreciates the disconnection from the world that hiking provides, though he acknowledges he missed a great picture of a bear encounter because his phone was turned off and in his pack! I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a quote about his technology use and (dis)connection from the outside world:
I carry an iPhone with my Guthook trail app installed. I also carry a small solar-chargeable battery. But I keep the phone off during the day, stashed in a small dry bag in my backpack. I use the phone sparingly to save the battery. If I see a great view, I turn on the phone and take a picture. If I feel like I am lost or not sure how long it is until the next water source or overnight stop I turn the phone on and check the trail app. Maybe twice a day, when I get reception, I turn the phone on and send a message to Anne and my staff, letting them know where I am and maybe forwarding a picture. I will check emails once a day just to see if there is any emergency needing my attention–staff knows to keep emails to pressing priorities while I am hiking. Finally, I type a few trail notes at the end of the day about the miles I have covered and any events of note. All told, the iPhone may be on about thirty minutes a day.
I was able to talk to Senator Kaine after his talk and was able to share a bit about my trail research. He acknowledges the pull that technology has and takes steps to avoid it, though he relies on digital maps (over paper maps) and takes advantage of the ability to connect with others while on the trail.
Technology on the Trail 