Not too long ago, the incessant drone noise in the wilderness left me with a ringing in my ears and a distaste for the intrusive devices. However, I took an unexpected turn in my attitude towards drones when I decided to get one myself. I morphed from a critic into that person launching a drone into the air during my travels. Why? Because curiosity is a potent force when it comes to exploring new landscapes.
In a mere instant, my disdain for drones transformed into pure fascination. Soaring high above the earth and looking down at the landscape below, I began to comprehend the intricate processes that had shaped it. The initial flight granted me an entirely fresh perspective on size and scale.
Lounging in a lazy river just outside of Sedona, AZ. Photo by Dalton Johnson
My vivid recollection is of the day I launched my drone in the Eastern Sierra, amidst some of my favorite landscapes to photograph. The undulating patterns of the land unraveled beneath me, resembling a living map. The drone's bird's-eye view unveiled a dimension of the landscape that I could never have truly grasped from the ground. The snowmelt trickling into creeks, cascading into rivers, and finally pouring into alpine lakes brimming with trout became a mesmerizing spectacle. After that inaugural flight, I was hooked.
Nevertheless, it is paramount to stress the importance of adhering to rules and laws when operating a drone. This entails thorough research and strict compliance with local regulations, respecting no-fly zones, and maintaining a safe distance from both people and wildlife. While curiosity is a powerful motivator, it should never supersede safety and legality. Always be a responsible drone pilot, and maintain the utmost respect for the environment and the privacy of those around you.
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Drones come equipped with their unique set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to exploring new landscapes.
On the positive side, they offer an invaluable sense of direction, aiding in navigation through unfamiliar terrains. In dense forests or vast expanses, I frequently relied on my drone's GPS feature to keep track of my location and prevent getting lost. Drones can also serve as scouts, surveying the area ahead, identifying potential obstacles, and revealing shortcuts. This enhanced spatial awareness can significantly enhance your journey's efficiency and safety.
Conversely, drones can sometimes prove to be a distraction from fully immersing oneself in the experience of a new landscape. The constant need to monitor battery levels, GPS signals, and camera settings can detract from the serenity of being in the midst of nature's beauty. Striking the right balance between capturing moments and living in them is essential. There are moments when stowing away the drone and savoring the beauty with your unaided eyes is the best choice.
One of the most delightful aspects of traveling with a drone is the ability to capture timeless images. While the world may appear static and unchanging, nature is in a perpetual state of transformation. With a drone, you have the power to freeze moments in time that might otherwise slip away. Whether it's a breathtaking sunset, a serene sunrise, shifting weather patterns, or the ever-changing colors of the landscape, your drone becomes a tool to document these artistic canvases. Countless photos and videos of incredible vistas have been added to my collection, and each time I revisit them, I am transported back to the precise moment when I stood at the brink of a new world.
Curiosity has the incredible ability to propel us forward and inspire us to explore the unknown. Drones have become my trusty companions in satisfying that curiosity during my travels by offering an unparalleled perspective on size and scale. Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that these remarkable tools should complement our adventures rather than replace them. As a responsible drone pilot, I've learned to appreciate the landscapes I encounter and share the beauty of the world with others through my drone's lens.
Castleton Tower, roughly 20 minutes outside of Moab, UT, soaking in sunset light. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Drones have fundamentally transformed the way I travel and experience new landscapes. They have unveiled a world of possibilities and offered me a fresh viewpoint of our planet regardless of my initial point of view. My previous aversion to the noise of drones in the wilderness has now been replaced with an appreciation for their potential as tools for exploration and a means to celebrate the wonders of our world. So, if you ever find yourself contemplating the use of a drone while traveling, remember that curiosity and responsibility can work in harmony, forging unforgettable experiences in the process.
