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October 29, 2003

Trying to take a vacation from an “Always-On” World

One might expect that given the opportunity to spend a few days in the Green Mountains of Vermont, while the Fall Foliage is still visible, it would be a relaxing vacation. Factor in that the rest and relaxation was taking place at a resort which Zagat’s rates: R/29, S/28, D/27, P/28, with quotes from Zagat’s which includes “The most amazing place in the universe”, “Rooms and cottages right out of Architectural Digest”, one would expect to have a great vacation.

And trust me, I’m trying.

But within ten miles of the Vermont state border my T-Mobile phone lost coverage and it looks like I won’t my cell phone back until I’m back on the road towards home. Factor in that this place does not offer high-speed internet access and that on a good day I’m fortunate to be able to get a 21.6k dial-up connection, it is easy to get frustrated trying to keep up with all of the things going on around me. Then again I’m supposed to be on vacation so maybe it’s a good thing that I’m in an environment which just forces me to relax.

This is my third trip to this place and while I was in a state of digital shock the first time I came here and realized that I would be effectively offline while I was here, it didn’t really sink in the second time I was here because I had secretly hoped that this resort would get with the program and provide high-speed Wi-Fi access for their guests. Turns out that there are still some places which cater to people who actually want to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors and relax a little and enjoy themselves while they are away. Sorry to report but there are no plans to provide high speed access at this place anytime soon. ;-(

The ironic part of vacations like the one I’m on is that by the time I usually get used to where I am, it’s time to go home. Maybe this time will be different and I will be able to
Forget about things for a little while and get away from the always-on world which we live in.

Posted by jeff on October 29, 2003 06:18 AM | Permalink

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Comments

My Off button is mountain biking in the 50+ acres within a stones throw from my house in NC. There is no WiFi and no internet since if there were; your NEXT Off button would be tree. Now THIS is relaxing and exhausting and your thoughts can only focus on what’s directly in front of you and not on daily business. So the next time you are in VT thinking about the “techno-absence” in wooded bliss, listen carefully to see if you can hear the exhilarated panting of nearby MTBers forgetting about the world for a while (and then come join us!).
Thanks for the thoughts.

Posted by: Chris Sanders at October 30, 2003 08:58 AM

Enjoy it. I'm hitting the woods this weekend myself. As much as I push for the "always on" world, I push for an "off" button to be near.

Posted by: Joshua Ruihley at October 29, 2003 10:39 AM

If they aren't wearing tinfoil hats over there, you've landed among the techno-elite of our fair state, Jeff. Thanks to legislators who remain clueless and require facts be proven for 12 consecutive years before making a decision, VT is rapidly becoming the largest agricultural heritage museum on earth. Quickly sliding to third-world nation status among the 50 states. WHen legislators see technology as an expense without benefit and something to be regulated and controlled, advances are slow to follow.

The resorts in general don't provide high-speed or WiFi becaise in general it has very poor availability (even worse penetration) outside Burlington. Just the reality of rural living and the Vermont culture.

Posted by: Ken Camp at October 29, 2003 06:38 AM