 Wire Pass Slot Canyon Photo Credit: ME! |
| I wasn’t totally off the grid, but I might as well have been! One moment elevated high up on a mesa, then later deep down in a slot canyon. Not only was the hour of day confusing me, frequently changing as I moved across state lines and time zones, in and out of Indian reservations…but my locations put me out of touch most of every day. By the time I got used to it, the trip was coming to an end. Which got me to thinking about the need for some practical and mental preparation for breaks like these. For trips and absences and adventures like these. Here are some business-sided things to consider when traveling—no matter if you think you’ll be “connected” or not. Because getting away is a great opportunity to actually GET AWAY! From the emails, texts, day-to-day demands that flood the inboxes of our lives. From the ongoing obligations with work, family, and friends. From just being the person, consumer, and target of never-ending mass marketing and manipulation. You know what I’m saying. Before going, it’s important to prepare ahead, for everything to run smoothly, or pause efficiently, during your absence. Here’s a checklist to consider: TELL KEY PEOPLE: Set expectations of your unavailability, limited availability, and return date. Let them know that you will likely not be reachable for big gaps of time, or at all. SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Prepare YOURSELF mentally that you will not be reachable and you will likely not reach others for big gaps of time. Don’t only realize this the day before you get back. SET UP AUTO-RESPONSE: Craft an email auto-response and your voicemail message to reflect your absence. When people try to reach you, they will find out you’re away…not assume you’re just being flaky. DELEGATE: Assign tasks and let others handle responsibilities. DOWNLOAD: Bring some version of anything you might need to refer to while away (digital download, screenshot, hard copy). It will give you peace of mind knowing you have it. DO AHEAD OF TIME: Take care of as many things as possible (paying bills, creating content, writing articles) BEFORE you go. Reentry will be a lot easier. BACK UP SYSTEMS: Have back up power, chargers, proper cords, etc. TOUCH BASE: When you can, send proof of life to key people, points of accountability. Maybe show your last location. Put their minds at ease that you’re OK. BRING OFFLINE WORK: If you must, bring offline work, and a notebook and pen for capturing anything important to remember after. Mostly it’s about setting expectations for yourself and others…that you MAY not be reachable AT ALL while gone. As being the worst-case scenario—but, is it really such a bad thing??? I was unreachable for most of every day, but I didn’t know that would be the case. I could have prepared myself better for no connection, and saved myself some uncomfortable moments. I communicated when I could, sent proof of life when I could, put my loved ones at ease when I could. I kept record of things to remember to do when I got back. I had everything I needed as it all played out divinely. Most importantly, I was able to be present and enjoy my surroundings to the fullest! What a gift it was! If you’re thinking about getting off the grid, even for a couple of days…for real…like camping!…here is a basic list of what you will need. P.S. I highly recommend it! I’ll be doing this again! Because we’ve been given this beautiful planet, and there is so much more to see! Don’t miss the whole thing! EXTRA: Basic needs for any camping adventure: LIGHTING and TECH: headlamp, flashlight, fully charged battery bank, back up charging pack and extra batteries. Solar powered things. WATER: 1 gallon per person per day. Collapsible containers. LifeStraw filter, purification drops or tablets, if needed. DRY FOODS: Nuts, fruit, canned foods, pasta (if you have stove/fire). SHELTER and WARMTH: Warm blankets, layers, wool socks, gathered wood for fire, matches. SANITATION: Biodegradable wipes, toilet paper, soaps. Toothbrush and necessary toiletries. Camp towel (small, wicking and fast drying), alternatives for “going” outside, trash bags. CLOTHING: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, hat and gloves if necessary, extra socks, underwear, good boots/shoes. COMMUNICATION AND SAFETY: First Aid Kit, actual compass, downloaded or paper maps, emergency whistle, back up charger for phone, Proper cords/adaptors for any device. MISCELLANEOUS: Notebook and pen, multi-tool/knife, string, duct tape/repair kit. |