Sometimes I think we are hi-teching the fun out of a lot of old activities. I was listening to the list of things that my grandson, age 14, had to have for a couple of weeks of camping and hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch. A bunch of it was light-weight hi-tech stuff that I never heard of.
I used to hike all day carrying a canteen of water, a couple of Hershey bars, and a pocket knife. If it was overnight, I took a blanket, rolled and tied behind my waist. I never had a back pack or a sleeping bag until I was grown.

The same thing has happened to biking. First you have to have a costume and a helment. Then you need a carbon-fiber wonder that has 21 speeds and weighs 21 ounces. (slight exageration). Rearview mirrors clip to your helment on one side and to the end of the handlebar on the other. Then there is the air pump, maybe some tools, lights, a water bottle, a computer (speed, average speed, top speed, time peddling, time coasting, distance peddling, distance coasting, calorie consumption, miles traveled, dog bites, etc.)

I used to ride a single-speed coaster-brake bike that weighted 45 pounds. I got plenty of exercise and saw the scenery.

Fishing these days requires a 150 hp outboard, a bass boat, an electric trolling motor, an electronic fish finder, water temp gauge, air thermometer, weather radio and a computerized reel on a carbon fiber rod. And they call it a sport.

I used to catch fish on a pole that I cut off a tree. I didn't own a tackle box until I was 25.

Have you ever seen a hunter decked out for a day in the woods looking for deer or wild turkey?

The next time you pass a jogger running along in the gutter on the wrong side of the busiest street in town, look at him or her carefully and think in terms of dollar amounts.

Have you peeped into any golf bags lately?

It makes me want to go kiss my ancient, low-tech canoe and my favorite scooter that doesn't even have a speedometer.
Howard