I suppose that someone walking through the woods on a beautiful day in the winter talking on a cell phone is staying in touch after a fashion.  They just aren’t in touch with what is around them.

Thomas Jefferson had something to say about this:

” A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks. Never think of taking a book with you.  The object of walking is to relax the mind.  You should therefore not permit yourself even to  think while you walk; but divert yourself by the objects surrounding you.  Walking is the best possible exercise.”

Nowadays, Mr. Jefferson wouldn’t have to take a gun with him, he could take a camera.  You can shoot with either device.  I have an idea he would have been an avid photographer.

The world around us goes on its merry way whether we pay attention to it or not.  And it’s beautiful whether we pay attention to it or not.

I had shot the same scene (below) the day before but it was overcast then and there were no shadows.

I couldn’t think of a good reason to go swimming, so I didn’t.  To use Jefferson’s words that would likely have been “too violent for the body” although it would probably have stamped “character on the mind”.

Watching the water from the bank was enough of an experience and one I’m likely to repeat.