For over a year I have been watching the TV report on the latest Covid numbers around the world. Looking at Facebook, Emails and Instagram alerts of any breaking news. My neck hurts from staring at screens and the only change I have made is a bigger waistline from eating too much while watching the news and growing into a couch potato.
I want to disconnect from this electronic overload. I will start small, to help shed my addiction.
My rules are easy - no WIFI, TV, Laptop, or phone. Instead, I want to enjoy the fresh air and go exploring. No temptation to use the phone, so I need to be as off-grid as much as possible. Time to get away, enjoy myself and make my news.
Fortunately living on the Island of Tasmania I can switch off. Here are my top 10 simple off-the-grid experiences to help detox from technology addiction.
Ten Simple Off-Grid Experiences
1. Waterfalls
With my phone tucked securely away at home, I drive to Lilydale Waterfalls. After a few steps, I realize I should be doing this more often as the air smells so fresh and clean. Taking deep breaths into my lungs, I slowly stroll along the path noticing the tall tree ferns gently watching over the rocks in the calm flowing water.
This is an easy walk and soon enough I am standing in front of a large waterfall and telling myself it is ok I can post a photo later on Facebook. Why even think about my phone, I tell myself, enjoy the moment. I focus on my camera, different angles, framing, and look at the light on the leaves. I find this fun and spend ages trying to capture that perfect shot.
I notice people camping in the reserve reading books by their tent, already off-grid.
2. Flowers
Going for a drive is a way to switch off the electronic world. As I reach for my mobile for directions, I stop and use a printed map instead. I have become too reliant on the internet for every direction and review.
I drive to Table Cape and laugh as I announce, ‘You have arrived!’ Like my phone would have said if I had used it.
I smile at the hectares of vibrant shades of Tulips over the hillside. They are in bloom for a few weeks from the end of September.
I happily meander among the yellow Tulips, my favourite colour. Then I notice the white ones look angelic and the red so rich. I can’t wait to grow some although not sure which one I like the most.
3. Busy little Bees
Without bees, the planet could turn into a desert in a few years. My knowledge ends there on these mysterious little creatures. So, today I stop at the local honey shop in Perth, Tasmania.
The assistant explains enthusiastically about Beekeeping, the Queen Bee, Mead, and Beeswax, and offers a range to taste tests. I had already decided I would buy a jar as the assistant spoke so passionately. However, I never expected it to taste so delicious.
‘Bees have 5 eyes, never sleep and 1 jar needs a visit from approx. 2 million flowers” she says.
I purchase my jar of the only food that contains all the essential nutrients needed to sustain life. And look forward to going home to have a cup of tea with honey.
4. The Market
On Sundays, I walk to the Evandale market and buy a Korean Pancake for lunch and Raspberry Custard Cronuts for afternoon tea.
I take along my visitors and I find it interesting to see how people shop. My sister Anne likes to shop for ladies' clothing and loves a bargain. My friend Judy likes jewellery and chatting to the locals.
Today I am with Kelly from Queensland, and it is her first trip to Tasmania. First stop she purchases 3 Chocolate Eclairs, a twin box of Nutella Bombs and a box of 8 different flavoured Truffles. Onto the next stall for 4 bags of orange-coated Hazelnuts. Time to buy homemade Cookies and Jam and some Cherry flavoured Lemonade too.
I wonder if they will be eaten today or make it back to the mainland?
5. Pub Choir
My best friend and I were in the school choir. Sister told us to mime the words and not sing. We thought our voices must be so special we need to protect them. How innocent we were.
Tonight, Mum and I are looking forward to our 1st time at Choir in the pub at the Royal Oak.
The Piano player patiently goes through the lines and explains how they should sound. We learn the whole song, ‘Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. An appropriate title as any minute now I may be told to just watch.
We rehearse and record the group of approx. 40 people smiling and singing. We enjoyed it and I even managed to be in the video singing– this time!
6. Walk the Dog
I notice my routine is to grab the lead and my mobile and spend time chatting to people on the phone as I walk my dog. But today I decide it is a dog-only day and no phone.
At first, it feels odd, like I have lost something but soon I am breathing in the spring-scented flowers and noticing my pet is having a nice time. Every bird sound or animal is looked upon like a long-lost friend. There is no end to his unwavering enthusiasm for this walk.
We all get caught up in life and it becomes easy to disconnect from simple pleasures. Perhaps walking without the phone is a better way to connect with our pets.
7. Get in the Garden
My Vegetable patch is 4 boxes of dirt as I have managed to ignore it for quite some time now. If there was a prize for the most weeds, I would win it easily. They say you are closer to God when you do the garden. Well, I must be in Heaven as I will be here for a long time today.
I wonder what to grow and instead of reaching for my phone, I read books instead. I have a few in the house that has been collecting dust and are filled with ways to grow herbs and vegetables.
Within a few hours, I can see progress and it keeps me busy and off-grid.
8. Stay overnight in a Cottage
We needed a 3-bedroom cottage as both my friends snore rather loudly. We arrive at Estowen house Stanley, a wooden cottage with a country garden. The home belonged to Estelle and Owen who lived 67 years married in the house.
We expected furniture but not all their belongings. My friends and I spent hours going into draws and cupboards exploring the memorabilia. We find a handwritten letter on wood paper from Owen written in 1915. Looking at the photos we decided he was in the Navy and the letter was for his mother.
How wonderful to read a real letter, compared to a text or email.
9. Go to an Island
We arrive at the Ferry terminal and line up neatly behind the other cars patiently waiting to travel across the sea to Bruny Island.
I chat to a fisherman who tells me the Premier may announce a lockdown in one hour. I was surprised as Tasmania had managed to avoid all lockdowns.
I tell my travel companions from Western Australia, and we try to pick up a radio station in the car, but there is no reception.
The first stop is the Cheese Shop for a taste test. The assistant casually mentions the island will be closed today and no one will be allowed on or off for 3 days. The girls frantically search for their phones as they need to change their flights and hotels.
No Internet and no phone, I am happily in the right place.
10. Write a Poem
String a few lines together in a verse,
Make it easy, no need to rehearse.
Go with the flow and see how it goes,
Could be right or wrong, nobody knows.
Put away the internet, laptop and phone,
Explore your mind for words, and get into the zone.
We each have a story we can all share,
Some say it better but really, who cares?
It is a way to connect paper with a pen.
Make some time, if not now, then when?
Computers have taken over our minds,
Disconnect, recharge, unplug and unwind.
The planet is special because humans laugh and love.
Not add, like, and click join on the above.
Talk to people, get back to our grassroots,
Get yourself off-grid and give the phone the boot!
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