Alone...plus phone
"I'm not a man who feels compelled to take my phone everywhere I go; it's for my convenience, not that of others, I'm happy to be without it and I don't need to be contactable every minute of the day."
I used to be able to say that and loved leaving my phone home, in the car and when home either off completely or in another room; I wasn't attached to it and didn't miss it when it wasn't with me. That changed not long ago; I have an implant in my arm that sends critical blood data to an app on my phone via Bluetooth; I take my phone everywhere now.
A week ago I headed south to a little coastal town called Port Elliot, here in South Australia down on the Fleurieu Peninsula, I went to see a private garden, open for the weekend.
It's a one hundred and five kilometre drive so to make the distance worth it I drove around a little to see what I could see, have some lunch and take a walk on the beach. It's during the latter where my phone came in handy for more than registering the blood data from my arm-implant.
I took these photos using my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, and despite not being all that great I think they show what the day was like. If you can't work it out I'll explain...It was awesome.
These images were taken at Basham Beach on the boundary of Port Elliot and the tiny town of Middleton.
This area is the home of Boomer Beach, a popular surfing beach, but it's dangerous coastline, certainly not a place for a novice to attempt surfing for the first time; there's incredible rips in these waters and a person can find themselves in trouble quickly. It's unforgiving. On the day I was there it looked innocent enough, but these waters are worthy of great respect.
This spot is popular for whale watching which people do from the beach itself, there's the path to it above, and on the platform you see below.
The Southern Right Whale is most prevalent and people flock to this area in whale watching season, the cooler months of May to October although June to September is when the most sightings are. It's often cold and windy in those months but watching these extraordinary marine mammals move around to mate and nurse their young is worth it. Rug up, bring your binoculars, camera and zoom lens and you're good to go...A thermos of coffee and some donuts is a good idea too.
I saw no whales but that's ok as I was happy with a walk on the beach, time with nature, and to create some moments in which to think a little, reflect and contemplate. I found what I was looking for...but then I got hungry.
Ok, I lied...I did see some whales. This legit mural is on the wall of the Middleton Tavern...I was going to eat there but changed my mind at the last minute and headed to Goolwa, fifteen kilometres away.
I ended up at a small café for a warm chicken salad and coffee; it was nice, if a little overpriced at $27AUD, then wandered around the historic river-port town of Goolwa...where the Murray River, Australia's longest at 2,508 kilometres (1558 miles), empties into the ocean after travelling through three Australian States. There was an open-air market there but I ended up grabbing a drink and sitting on the pier watching modern boats and old paddle-steamers ply the waters and sea birds, cormorants, dotterels, blue wrens, grey teals and pelicans winging their way around in the beautiful weather. I didn't take too many photos there but below are a couple I snapped.
It was mid-afternoon by the time I headed home and when I arrived felt pretty content with my, alone with my phone day. I'd driven almost two hundred and fifty kilometres and enjoyed every one...it was the day I needed...even though I had to take my phone.
Do you ever take drives like this, find places to unwind and relax? Feel free to tell me about it in the comments below, or make a comment on the photos or the text if you'd like. I'll respond.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
[Original and AI free]
Every image in this post is my own.
My Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was used to capture these images.
Very nice shots! 🥹❤️
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Those are some beautiful photos !
I used to do a few things like that, but got out of it during covid. I keep thinking about getting out further again, but so far, still only thinking.
Thinking about it is where doing it starts. If I may offer an opinion...Don't just think about it, do it.
Thanks for the comment, it was a pretty nice day as you can see, and that's a nice part of the world...(Not so nice in the middle of winter when blowing a gale, rainy and cold AF, but then a whale breeches and that makes it all better.) This is a popular spot, one of the reasons I don't have loads of photos of the town areas (I have a thing about getting people in my photos) and it always feels holidayish which is exactly what this part of my State is all about. There's loads of shacks (expensive holiday homes and more basic also) and it's often inundated with folks enjoying the area and region.
Anyway, I'll keep an eye out for your post about getting out and about.
Despite your humble and very respectable way of expressing that the photos do not come out very well, in my opinion, I think they are very good, in fact those beaches are very beautiful, I cannot compare them with the beaches of my country, each one of them has its own charm.
I usually leave my phone at home, especially when I don't go in my own car, I mean when I have to go in a bus, it is very dangerous, because it is a temptation for friends of others.
But from what you say about the implant, you can never forget that cell phone.
Australia has something like 12,000 beaches along its 50,000 kilometres of coastline so there's many great ones to choose from...most are amazing really. But yes, there's awesome beaches all over the world.
I used to love leaving my phone home and I can still do it now, if I really wanted to, but it's a health risk and so I do not...well, maybe I do now and then but only if I'm going somewhere close and for a short time. It's annoying having to take it though however I take advantage by grabbing a photo of three like those above now and then.
Thanks for your favourable comments on my photos, I appreciate that.
And meanwhile my requirement for buying phones is must have a good camera and then it just lives in my bag XD
they used to live in my pocket but then I started having to haul too much crap
Yay for nice day out and cool photos :D They're plenty good enough.
Yeah, mobile phones are simply tracking devices really, and these days it seems more important that they take photos rather than make calls. And the cost...The one that took these shots cost me $1,950AUD. WTF! Bonkers.
Oof. Yeh they're all pricey. I remember sending photos of phones and their price tags to my mum (she told me to go look as she wanted one bought for my dad, so basically she was going to send me the money, I was going to purchase it and then bring it home) much to the amusement of observing sales personnel who were waiting to swoop in to
upsellhelp me out.I have been looking at iPhones but I think the next one is going to be one of these.
there's now only one essential app I need to find a replacement for first
I'll never have an iphone again, the company itself turns me off. PinePhone...never heard of them, I'll be interested to hear what it's like.
Gracias.
It's quite a beautiful place and I like seeing the color of the water and sky in this picture.
It's a pretty nice spot and yep that contrast of ocean and sky is quite striking huh?
Yes, friends, it's a pretty good place. Have a nice day.
Beach looks impressive! Im more interested in the bio technology! Are you comfortable sharing more ?
The bio technology? Can you clarify?
You talked about an implant sending blood data to your phone in your article. It was interesting to me.
Figured, but wanted to be sure.
It's an implant I insert into my arm (changed every two weeks) that puts a probe under the skin and reads blood information from the interstitial fluid (layer of fluid that surrounds tissue cells below the skin. It reads constantly providing an every-minute reading in live time to the app on my phone. It tracks a 24 hour graph and I can do manual readings if required, which always are for the purpose of administering drugs at the right time and amount. It also sends data to my online site tracking everything from reading-fluctuations, highs and lows, medication adjustments, alerts that may have occurred, averages and other such things the probe gathers and reports. It's available day by day, weekly, monthly and one can drill down into it. It also sends all of that to the specialists at the hospital.
The unit can be applied to various locations but I put mine on my tricep area, swapping arms each time. It sticks pretty good, I've not had one come off over the two weeks. Once activated, the app counts down its life and lets me know to the minute when the new one needs applying. Inside the unit is a chip of course, a little battery also. It's submersible to 1 metre for up to thirty minutes and the probe is just over a centimetre long so it can get into the skin. The units cost $105AUD each and I use two a month of course, fortnightly. I don't pay that, the government subsidise the cost because of my condition so I only pay $15 each.
That's about it, there's loads more information but hopefully that satisfies your curiosity.
Oh Ok it is a continues glucose monitor. I was thinking that was what you were taking about but wondered if it was something different. I have heard of them and considered wearing one to track to see what food effected me the most. I had pre diabetes
Wow, what a beautiful photos captured using a phone. I wish I can have that kind of phone that has a good camera too
The phone does all the work and I'm pretty happy with the photos it takes. It's a good spot too, which makes taking the shots a little easier.
Aww I am happy for you
Beautiful shots man, unfortunate about the implant thing but such is life we often have no control over these things.
It is nice taking those long drives to see those types of things, I had taken some solo drives when I was younger but was more interested in my destination (mountains for snowboarding mostly) than I was stopping and enjoying the scenery. Being older now though, if I was to take something like that I would certainly stop at a few spots along the way and take it in. We live on a beautiful marble that's for sure and so often we take it completely for granted!
I get what you're saying about the destination...interestingly, I just wrote a post I'll publish later or tomorrow and just that thing...the journey/destination and best-life paradigm.
So many take the planet for granted...and their own lives. I don't do either as I know the world is in decline as I am; I'm dying. So, best to live as well as possible before I do. Day trips, drives and walks in places like this are one of the things that makes life valid for me.
We used to go on day trips when I was a kid, and my wife and I talk about it, but we never find the time. It looks like you had a really awesome day!
I always make the time man. I guess I recall trips like this from when I was a kid; my parents couldn't really afford holidays so this was as good as it got...I can afford holidays and have had some amazing ones...but I also like to intersperse my life with day trips like this...it seems prudent considering it'll all end one day. Best to make it count.
We can reach a coast no matter which direction we go within a couple hours, so we have lots of options, we just need to take advantage of them.
That's cool. Here, I'm minutes away, but I like to get to different coastal areas so take a drive now and then. It's good too because all our beaches are a little different, makes for reasonable photos.
This is the first time I got to know about your arm implant so you're like part cyborg 😳. Basham beach looks nice and is the place not that popular or were u just able to get photos without any people being there. Photos are good better than my photography skills. I think it's cool that you can see whales there. I don't think I've seen one in real life before.
As for the taking drives question, I do not since I get kind of stomach sick if I'm in a vehicle too long whether that be airplane or car etc. I think the last far drive I took was when my cousin drove to melaka when my brother visited from the states. We went there to take my brother to see an iconic historic place in Malaysia.
Anywys it looks like you had a great time though and living your life to the fullest 🤩 hope you have a great weekend
Yeah exactly...Have you heard of Cyberdyne Systems, you know, from the movie Terminator? I'm the original test dummy for what eventually became the Terminator. They called me the G-dogenator. (There's a movie in production now about it: G-dogenator: The Origins)
I've been to Melaka, I have history there. I like road trips and day trips doing them when I can. As I just wrote in another comment, life is too short not to live it as best as possible.
Have a great weekend.
I honestly have not heard about it. The Terminator came out when I was really young so I don't recall much of the movie. I tried searching the G-dogenator but couldn't find anything from google. It doesn't have a trailer or anything, how do you know they are making this unless you're the one acting in it?
Oh wow that's cool that you went to Melaka before. If you ever come to Malaysia in KL Area we could hangout~
The last Terminator movie (the sixth one) released in 2019...maybe it hasn't made it to your area yet. Lol. I was joking about the G-dogenator movie mate.
My dad was born there. I've been to KL, liked it a lot. We stayed opposite Parkson at The Westin on Jln Bukit Bintang (great hotel.) I'll be back someday, maybe when I get to Singapore for the F1GP next.
I honestly thought it was real no wonder I couldn't find anything on google lol.
That's a great area and pretty expensive as well in Malaysia's Standards but many malls and stuff to go and great views on the rooftop bars. That's great let me know when you get back. can get a picture with you and write about it. how I met the legendary galenkp
I was making a reference to the Terminator movies, which you have no clue about (which amazes me to be honest).
I'll let you know if I'm coming up there, we'll go to a rooftop bar and talk about the Terminator movies...I need to bring you up to speed. Lol.
No of course I Know this movie. It's Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger! He was a governor of California at a point of time which is where I used to live and grow up. He's famous for the line "I'll be back" if I'm not wrong. I've been told he was a super nice person in real life. I don't think I ever watched the 6th one though. I did watch one or a few of the older ones when I was young but probably couldn't comprehend it since I was still young.
But sure though feel free to let me know when you visit and you can still talk about the movie if you want lol
I'll get you drunk and make you act out scenes from the movie. 😂
haha i don't really drink though. How you gonna get me drunk with juice 😂
Hmm, that poses a problem...I don't drink much either...seems like it'll be a cheap outing.
nothing wrong with that . food is good too~ not sure what you like to eat or how much you eat tho
I like to eat most things man, and I eat moderately usually. It depends what the food is and what time of day. Eating is on the agenda then.
Eating is a must in Malaysia. the weather not so hot (good) but I want to say we have good food here
I know the food and love it! I’m really keen to get back, I just have commitments right now that prevent travel. It’ll happen though. #klhivemeeting
Yea what's your favorite Malaysian food? It's all good I believe you'll make it happen. It's in your motto Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
Rendang, laksa, murtabak, satay, roti...I'm not too fussy man, I've eaten food all over the world and enjoyed most of it...although I'd choose not to eat frogs legs and snails again. Lol.
Now I feel like laksa.
That's a lot of food. i love beef rendang. I'm neutral on laksa and murtabak. I love satay O.O especially with the peanut sauce and roti is nice too. It's crazy how many different rotis you can order at a mamak. They got roti with kaya and roti with ice cream, roti with cheese etc. I can't say I've eaten all over the world but I've definitely tried different types of food from different cultures. As for the frog legs and snails I think I would choose not to eat that either and anything super spicy . I don't know how people can still taste the flavor after reaching a certain spice level
I like food and will try most things, the frogs legs and snails in France for instance. It’s all about experience I guess, the more the better because life’s short.
so you've had scorpion? do you like kbbq or hotpot? Life still feels long for me though even though days seem to go by faster~
No scorpion, almost got bitten by one though, does that count?
Oh yeah, I have Korean BBQ's at my place a lot, a nice way to cook. I actually learned how to do it from my sister in law who is Japanese. A nice way to eat and socialise.
Uh I guess so if you want it to count? haha
Oh that's awesome. I love kbbqs, I agree with you it's a nice way to eat and socialize and of course delicious. I try to go every now and then with friends to catch up. I Love Samgyeopsal or pork belly in English. I might have to just go this month. now im craving for it
Get on it and enjoy. It would make a good post too. Maybe three photos and some text. I'll look out for it.
I will just need to gather my friends and see when they're free not sure when though but will definitely make a post if when it happens worst case I could go alone :/
Ask a girl.
Don't have any girl to ask at the moment 👀. Maybe one day . Need to step up since my younger brother already married 😂
Lol...ask one anyway...you might be surprised and get a yes.
haha I can't ask random strangers. I need time to know a girl and at the moment i dont have any that im interested in~ It's all good though. it will happen when the time is right
I get it, here it's a little different I guess...or used to be. These days it's all done on an app. Fucken nutbags.
oh times have changed. I think apps are ok though for people like me that don't' make friends easily or just randomly approach people. I'm a nutbag? haha
I did see some successful relationships though. Even my mom and stepdad met from an app so I can see the merit~. In the end you will still meet in person ~
Yep, you are. Man up and meet people in person. An app? Come on man, that's crazy.
Haha how. I'm not to type that goes to malls and just go up to people. I don't think it's the same in Asia haha. Maybe some people do this for youtube / tiktok videos but I think you will rarely see anybody go up and talk to strangers unless maybe its a club/bar but as you know i dont drink ;x and the girls that are there usually dont match me
I wasn't originally from here as well so I don't have that many friends so its a bit tough~. I should focus on trying to make more friends and hangout with a group and then ill have a chance to meet someone im interested in to ask out
It'll happen for you, in some way, shape or form and when it does, you'll know.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I totally agree with this and Happy Sunday! I'll be having a family dinner tonight what about you
Oh but what a nice walk you've taken, cyborg. Let's look on the bright side of the fact that you can't get away from your smartphone anymore. That's why, because it's smart. And you have to go with things and people like that. Inteligentes.
I want to see the whales, but I think you are going to be one right now. 🤣
Your post is very nice. I really like blue and salty things.
It's a great spot and that day was pretty good from a weather perspective. I love drives like that, through the McLaren Vale wine region and through some pretty spectacular countryside. It's a fair way from my house, 105km as I said, but when one is rewarded with views like this it's totally worth the effort and cost.
I also do this, taking time for myself, what I call as my "alone time". And everytime I go out on my own, I always make sure that I bring my phone with me cause there are just some instances where a place can be so beautiful to take a picture of.
One advantage of having a phone all the time is one doesn't miss a photo opportunity. It's not a bad thing, but people have become so reliant upon having their phone with them to the point or addiction I guess.
You did well not leaving your phone in the car or at home this time! Even though I try to take my breaks from it from time to time, it's vital for our activity on Hive especially that we are both some active creators. In plus, it's a lot easier to carry a phone instead of a whole gear for taking pictures!
Mostly I keep my phone on silent or on vibrate only, it actually annoys me when it rings. That's about all I can do these days as I have to take it wherever I go mostly. I'd rather not have a phone but these days it's pretty difficult not to have one I guess. I miss the good old days.
Same here! I was the last kid from my school who got a phone and honestly I can't complain about that. In the end I enjoyed a lot more the online rather than offline moments. But yeah, it's pretty hard to 'survive' these days without a phone when everything is inside the little gadget. Even the money to use for food!
Alone + phone = beautiful photos...
Great photos here @galenkp, so lovely.
And please do not forget your phone, you need to track those critical blood data. 😁
Thanks, I think these snaps came out pretty well, but not as well as it was actually being there I guess. I hope you have a good weekend.
Not as you wanted?, they came out really nice, I'm even thinking of using some of them as references for study, Have a good weekend also.
Please don’t use my photos online without my expression ok?
In your case, having a phone is also a pleasure for us because we can watch beautiful views
That's a good point,. I also like seeing the photos others take so I get what you mean.
It sounds that I must try this once in a while now, it may give a different perspective. Thanks for the idea @galenkp
It can be difficult leaving one's phone home but give it a try, you won't die from it. In fact, not too long ago no one walked around with a phone, ever. It's amazing to think about I know, but it really wasn't that long ago...and the world didn't collapse. It was actually a better place.
I don't get chance to unwind in places like this. But thanks for sharing pictures of your outing, it is comforting to see beautiful pictures like this on a Saturday morn.
I hope you can find somewhere that allows you the space and ability to unwind, especially considering you comment on my other post about feeling like a failure. The time to turn that around is now.
Well, I do have the confines of my room to myself.
And yes, I'm turning the negative feeling around to something positive.
Sounds like a good plan.
I take my phone everywhere mostly for emergency reasons, I won't say I'm attached to my phone, its always on vibrate anyway. Never knew you have an arm implant, wonder how that looks and feels. To me, the pictures are really beautiful, spending some alone time is necessary. Have a lovely weekend...
The arm implant gives some pain now and then, not much though. One just needs to remember not to catch it when taking clothing on and off. I’m always aware of it, but it’s not too intrusive to life. I might do a post on it sometime.
Have a nice weekend.
What a pretty place to have your "me time." Seeing the sea and it's waves makes me want to also visit the nearest beach we have here in our place. It's sad that I don't know how to drive, I can freely do this if only, (●´⌓`●).
I hope you manage to get yourself to a beach nearby you soon, it’s so relaxing, calming and rejuvenating to the soul. Thanks for your comment.
Yeah, I used to have "Me Myself and I" time also. usually a walk in the garden and or at the foot of the mountain. It relaxes me and restore my lost energy.
Anywhere in nature does the trick for me, somewhere away from people when I can relax my mind, reflect and find some peace. It sounds like you enjoy that also.
Yes sir! nature for me is like a medicine that eases all the stress in every days heavy work. God bless!
Medicine, exactly! It’s calming, soothing, relaxing and feeds the soul.
That's what we call self love ; you went there to relax yourself and to walk around. If I go 105km away from my home then I will be in lahore which is an historical city with historical architecture.
I am also not a phone person and the twisting thing is that my phone is not good with it's health that's why I mostly keep it away from me. As you have implant so it is necessary to keep your phone always around you.
It was a nice relaxing day and I enjoyed the nature aspect and the no people aspect also. I guess I’m lucky to have places like this so close to home.
I like to see people but I love to sit alone and I want that wherever I am sitting there should be no one sitting with me and I spend that time in observing other people and things. In those leisure times I keenly observe the beauty of flowers and see the noise and sounds surrounding me.
Most people are garbage, uninteresting, selfish and entitled so when I can get away from them I do.
I love, love and love this photo shoot, I love the sea and it fills me with passion and energy, it's great!!!!
Those rocks near the water, what a great shot. That phone takes great pictures!!!
The mural of the whales is very well done, it is very good and the foam and the waves .... there are no words. Beautiful!
In Argentina some other times with my best friend we have done things like this, but not very long. They were great anyway.
And here, especially walking, I end up in places I don't know but they offer me very nice views and I love it!
Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be great.
Did I tell you that I love the pictures? I love them! hahaha
Thanks Galen!
So…you’re trying to say you love the pictures? 😀
It was a good day for sure, peaceful and really enjoyable. I hope you can find a moment like this over the weekend.
Oops, I didn't make it clear I think🤣 .... I love the images, the sea is like a magnet for me, it's inevitable!
Today things from home, tomorrow ..... maybe hahaha
I have a place I want to go.... I have too many places I think, it's a far away beach, it's called Peñon del cuervo, amazing!
So, I sort of think you're trying to say that you love the pictures...Right? 😂
Oops, again not clear 🤣
That's exactly what I meant hahahahaha
Good morning, a mate? haha
No mate, I'm just about to brew up a coffee though. Watching a movie shortly. Snack time.
hahahahaha true, the times are different, but the mate is good for all hours.
Enjoy the film, I'm here catching up, it's a beautiful day, sunny, 24 degrees, it's great!
Hehe I make time to unwind every weekend! I find cafes to enjoy some coffee, matcha, or ice-cream, sometimes a bit of everything!
P.S. I know I have said it before - but I think you really take great photos!
Unwinding is a good idea, being tied in knots (emotionally) isn't a good way to be. ice cream and coffee helps. :)
I don't really like driving, and I like long driving less. But I do like finding beautiful and peaceful places where I can relax and be one with nature. I think the places you went to were really wonderful. I don't think I can stand the 250 km, but it is good that you enjoyed it as well. Thank you for sharing these pictures.
Here in Australia 250km is not considered a long way considering how large the country is. I know people who dive that far every day to go to and from work.
Oh wow, really? I guess if there isn't a lot of traffic it's more bearable, but if you're driving at 100kph, you still need 2.5 hours of driving. I think you're wasting a lot of time everyday by doing that. I would possibly look for a closer work/house by that point.
I know farmers who could drive (on their own properties) for 2.5 hours and still be on it. All in a days work. I think you're forgetting how big Australia is. Driving long distances means different things here, as I tried to indicate previously.
I'm not forgetting how big Australia is. I've been to the US, and have been on long drives. I don't think using farmers as an example is ideal, and comparable. They drive on their properties and that is part of their work. Driving to and from work for 2.5 hours is adding 5 hours to your 8 hour shift. The driving isn't the problem, it's the big addition of time on top of work I am concerned about.
I get it...you don't live in Australia though so I guess you can put your mind at ease.
Tell the lens on your phone that I appreciate it showed me that beach. No one would say these are dangerous waters, it looks so calm.
I am fortunate to see the sea through my window, but whales do not come to the Strait of Florida 😔 I have never seen them.
A big hug from noisy and crazy Havana!!! Stay safe!!!
I spoke to the lenses, passed on the message, I didn't get an answer although they're shy I think. 🙂
These waters have many rips, dangerous tides and people die in them so care must be taken. The fact they look so safe is one of the reasons so many people get caught out. Keep in mind this was a calm day, when it's not the surf is huge which makes it such a popular surfing area.
It seems like you have a nice view, a shame there's no whales, such majestic creatures. I went whale watching on a boat out of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia once...an amazing experience to get up so close.
Enjoy your Sunday.
The Caribbean is very hot for whales, he thought, I'm going to investigate. Dolphins if we have. And this crazy Caribbean doesn't have spectacular waves to surf either 😬😁, Havana surfers ride waves of only a meter or two, no more. Most of the year it is a very calm sea.
We had a very quiet weekend 🥴
🎶🥂
The sort of whales we get down here prefer cooler waters, which is why they migrate seasonally I guess. Maybe there's some Cuban whales (Cubano whalelos) that like the warmer Caribbean waters thought, I'm not sure.
Disclaimer: I made Cubano Whalelos up.
hahahahahahaha...I love it!!! Tomorrow I'm going in search of that creature. It must be adorable!!!😍
It's elusive, but if you look hard enough I think you might find one.
😉👍