I still have a cell phone, but it only can connect via wifi. I also still have a phone number via Google Voice so I can text and call when I have wifi.
This is an experiment. I might get a small burner phone for emergencies, or even break down and get a cheap cell plan eventually. But for now, I want to see what it’s like to live without a cell plan in 2021 as a nomad.
So far the biggest difference is navigation. I used to just plug in my destination and follow the blue line until I got there. Now, I look up directions when I have wifi, write them down in a little notebook, and commit the directions to memory. I’ve successfully navigated to unfamiliar destinations in the middle of Los Angeles and the Bay Area from memorized directions.
Interestingly, I get a better sense of where I am now that I’m not just following the blue line. In order to memorize the directions, I have to build a small and simplified mental model of my route. Before, when I just trusted the blue line, if it were to run out of batteries, I’d have no idea where I was and be lost.
I also get a sense of satisfaction upon arriving at my destination. It feels like I’m clawing back some little bit of competence and self-sufficiency from the machines.
Robyn and I are about to embark on a slow, plan-less road trip up and down the west coast. We’ll be camping mostly in National Forests and BLM land. In the past I’ve used specialized apps that have pins dropped on good boondocking spots, and offline maps of the intricate networks of backcountry roads. Now my method is to get a sense of where there are areas likely to hold good camping spots, and then to explore until we find something good. I like the idea of it - we’ll see how it turns out in practice.
The other major difference is coordinating with friends. Most people these days are used to being able to change plans in realtime while everyone is en route. I have to agree on meeting times and locations ahead of time, and stick to them. It can be a little annoying, particularly at first as I’m having to “train” people (“Okay, call me when you get here and I’ll come out.” Uh, no, the whole point is that I can’t do that. Tell me which door is yours and I’ll knock on it with my meathand, yeah?)