Wired weary

January 30, 2005

PEOPLE LIVING in a wired culture can get tense if they have to unplug. That's why California and Michigan are making high-speed Internet access available in recreation areas -- a move that would seem to run counter to the whole point of recreation.

But ''getting away from it all" often means taking it all along, in sport utility vehicles or campers. The list includes televisions, boom boxes, satellite dishes, cellphones, gas grills, and even portable privies. So, the reasoning goes, who could object to a tiny, electronic box placed in a snack bar or ranger station to allow people fast access to the Web?

''Technology is already there," said Roy Stearns, deputy director of California parks, in a phone interview, referring to the beeps, rings, canned sitcom laughter, and blaring music that have invaded public campgrounds. He noted that using a laptop to quickly check e-mail or surf the Net ''is no more obtrusive than sitting at a picnic table reading a book."

California has provided the high-speed wireless Internet access -- called 'WiFi" -- at San Elijo State Beach near San Diego, and is planning to have the technology in 84 more parks by summer. Michigan has wired five state parks, as well as public marinas, welcome centers, and rest areas.

Rest? It's a vanishing concept. Kurt Weiss, communications director for Michigan's information technology department, said the state is responding to public demand. He said that the two most requested improvements in recreation areas have been WiFi and cable television access.

Cable? Do they expect heat lamps and room service too? The state isn't installing cable, but one wonders if it could become as common as mosquito repellent -- and if laptops will one day be tapping out e-mail messages from wilderness trails, sounding like so many mechanical creatures. There are no plans to take WiFi beyond campgrounds and common areas, but if the public pushes for more, will public officials be able to deny what is popularly viewed as ''progress"?

Jessica Nunez, press spokeswoman for SBC Communications Inc. -- the San Antonio company that is wiring the Michigan and California sites -- said the access would enable people to e-mail vacation photos back home while still on vacation. She added that being able to check office e-mail anywhere allows people more freedom.

But are people really free if they're always reachable?

California officials say the Internet access is the 2005 version of the campsite pay phone -- but that phone was there primarily for emergencies, not a daily, or hourly, data dump.

People may praise the convenience. But they might come home more rested if they embraced more inconvenience.