# Embracing Life in Alaska: The Disconnect from Technology
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
A year ago, I embarked on a new chapter of my life in Alaska, starting my job with the Alaska Marine Highway System. My journey began with a 1,200-mile bike ride, followed by a ferry ride from Bellingham, Washington, to Alaska. Throughout my coastal trek, I frequently lost cell phone service—less than half the time did I have a connection. While I didn’t mind being without a phone, I wished my internet access was reliable enough to navigate using Google Maps.
As I cycled through remote mountain passes and isolated beaches, the absence of service felt normal. Connectivity returned only in small towns and cities, and although I never got lost, I wished for better Google Maps functionality in the canyons. Such is life, I thought, but not everyone shares this sentiment.
Section 1.1: Navigating Challenges
On the ferry system, we often find ourselves far from land, with some stretches being a hundred miles away from the nearest town. The typical range of a cell phone tower is about 40 miles, which can be extended if it's perched on a high point without obstacles. However, once you're beyond that range at sea, connectivity fades. This reality became routine for me, and I learned to adapt quickly.
Subsection 1.1.1: Preparing for Connectivity Gaps
To manage the lack of service, I pre-write my articles, messages, and emails, posting them all at once when I regain a signal. I've come to view the absence of connectivity not as a problem, but as a mere fact of life. Yet, many passengers ask me repeatedly, “When will we have internet service again?” I do my best to provide an estimate, knowing that not everyone shares my relaxed attitude toward technology disconnection.
Section 1.2: Generational Perspectives
I have observed a stark contrast in how different age groups handle the loss of phone service. Older individuals tend to shrug it off with a nonchalant “oh, well,” while younger passengers often react with panic. Recently, a group of 17-year-olds experienced service loss for the first time, and their bewilderment was evident. It was as if their connection to the world had been severed all at once, leaving me at a loss for how to comfort them.
Chapter 2: The Great Disconnect
In the video "Meet the YouTuber: Alaska Cut the Cord," viewers can see firsthand the realities of living in a remote area where technology often fails us. The content provides insights into the experiences of those living in Alaska without constant connectivity.
The second video, "Our NICU Journey & Coming HOME!!," offers a look at personal stories that highlight the importance of connection, both technological and emotional.
The Cell Phone Tower of Confusion
Should I have offered psychological support or simply chuckled at their plight? They were attempting to text one another from a mere twenty yards apart but found themselves unable to do so. Their frustration was palpable as they tried to access TikTok, only to be met with failure. Watching them, I was reminded of the Tower of Babel, as they were glued to their phones, utterly bewildered by the lack of service.
My Five Happy Bars
An older woman in the Solarium asked me, “When will we regain phone service?” Observing the landmarks around us, I estimated, “About 45 minutes, give or take.” She smiled in appreciation, while the younger group looked at me as if I had just delivered terrible news. I empathized but had tasks to attend to, all while sending love from the Gulf of Alaska with my five bars of service.