Off the Grid
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Off the Grid

Sometimes not having your phone is the greatest feeling in the world.

10
Off the Grid
Luke Alliger

Labor Day weekend. A lot of college students choose to go home and visit their friends and family back home. Because of an uncertain work schedule, I decided to stay on campus for the weekend.

My boyfriend and I were trying to find something fun to do to get off campus that was cheap. A lot of people from our university have gone to this place called Starved Rock State Park. I had seen their pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and I saw how beautiful it was. I told him we had to go.

Sunday morning we packed our bags, grabbed what we needed, and headed for Starved Rock. Once we finally got a parking spot, I threw only the necessities into a draw string bag to carry around. I originally didn't want to take my phone with me, but he felt more comfortable that I carried it with me. I threw it in but I turned it on the lowest brightness and do not disturb mode to save battery life. But by leaving it on those settings I experienced something greater than I imagined.

The entire day I was only thinking about what I was seeing and making sure we stayed on marked trails. I was enjoying being away from campus for a little bit. I never once had the urge to take my phone out and send a Snapchat to my friends; all I wanted was to keep on hiking. I am still so surprised that I didn't have the urge to be on my phone. Normally I am attached to my phone and want to be Snapchatting everyone.

There were times were we definitely did not know where in the park we were or which way to go next or which path to tackle next. I just kept saying, 'Who cares if we are lost, it's all part of the adventure!' There were times where we were both out of breath, but we kept going! All those miles were worth the gorgeous views we had and the memories we made that day.

I felt so calm and peaceful while we were out there. Honestly it was hard to admit I was too tired to hike anymore and leave. After the several hours and miles of hiking we finally threw in the towel and headed back to campus. On the ride home I still didn't have the urge to check my phone. Looking back to that I honestly don't know if I have felt that calm and peaceful in a long time. I didn't have to stress about letting all of my friends know what I am doing at every minute of the day. I could just focus on the moment. I would go hiking in a heart beat just to get out and enjoy the fresh air and nature.

So if you are feeling stressed or need a break from life, stop and go take a hike somewhere. After all, "Not All Who Wander are Lost."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

10715
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

942571
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

120342
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments