To GPS or not to GPS.....

[Wrong Way]

I have a feeling that some people prefer not to use them as much as others. I think there might be a little more, should i say, "romance" to the trip without one, however, i could be wrong. Although great technology, i feel that there may be some virtue to not knowing exactly, to almost a pinpoint, where you are. From my limited experience traveling by bike, It seems i always stumble across the things i need, which always seems to come in the form of other people's skills and assets, compassion, interest, humanity, etc... However, i'm sure they can be VERY VERY Useful. Indeed, they efficiently and effectively connect you to people and businesses and give you direction to these places. However.....?

Wifi, laptops, GPS, Cellphones, etc...., it makes me sometimes feel like a Cyborg reliant on technological externals - in this way it makes me feel less secure in just myself. Like i have to have all this technology to go on a trip. I think, when do we stop integrating technology into our lives? Always knowing exactly where you are and always able to be contacted or contact in the modern human epoch seems to actually fragment us from our immediate surroundings and context. Doesn't this "excessive" connection some how take away from the connection we have with the people we meet along the way and ourselves? No longer do we happen upon things, but rather we are fully aware, and in control of what's to come - or so we think. Although gaining "security" doesn't this somehow take away from the Journey /travels/adventure we have, by making us more reliant on some service or product outside ourselves to help us through the journey /trip/adventure. However, Maybe this technological, trans-human "advantage" adds depth and more meaning to the trip in the modern era? Maybe it just doesn't matter and i'm a total tripper!!? lol. However, i think it would be cool to have an open discussion on this. Dunno, Maybe it's old discourse?

Personally, I've never used one. They haven't become common in my part of Canada yet. I don't even know how much one would cost and whether or not it would work on a Journey through central and south america. I don't even know whether or not there are service charges.....but of course there are. And of course i wonder if i need one, but really, i ask myself, why do i feel i NEED one? Cause i do feel i need one. And, i think to myself, the only reason i feel i need one is because it would make my trip feel safer, and make life easier. Indeed, there is always an emotion or feeling that inspires consumers to buy things. I imagine myself with a GPS, driving through the unknown, and it makes me feel, simply...Safer and smarter....simply more responsible. Why? Because it makes the great unknown not so unknown. Hmmmmm? Adventure i ask myself? Maybe The security and convieniece i feel it would give me is simply an illusion/delusion and the money spent is a waste of resource, yet i could be wrong. Maybe a general direction, a bike, and myself is all i need?

Any ideas, experiences, philosophies, on this would be interesting to me. Feel free to pontificate and argue. Please, Feel free to criticize if desired. Feel free to call me a nut job if wanted - it wouldn't be the first time. :0) I would like to hear all opinions and thoughts. I'm actually hoping to open a can of worms here, because i feel it is a fundamental difference in approach to travel.

I know you can't change the times, but you can make a choice. To GPS or not to GPS? That is the question. Any answers? :0)

Regards,
Wrong way, aka Troy