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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Comment
Adrian Chiles

Go off grid? Where would I get my meds, compression socks and corn removers?

A man in a rucksack and hiking gear walks across a grassy plain
‘I’d have to ditch the knapsack and go for a rucksack.’ Photograph: Dougal Waters/Getty Images

I don’t really want to run away from everything. But I’m disappointed to realise I’m no longer able to do so anyway. We all have the instinct for fight or flight. Fleeing civilisation to try your luck in the wild is the most extreme expression of the second option. Somewhere, deep down, we’re hardwired with the false security of this last resort. Or perhaps it’s just me. Either way, I’ve reached the sad conclusion that, in my case, it’s not possible.

I started thinking through how I’d do it. Right, I’m off, I decided, hypothetically. Hmm, what to take with me? Well, there’s my eyesight to consider. Just take my specs, or some contact lenses, too? I’ve only three weeks’ worth. How do myopic soldiers manage behind enemy lines? There must be a way.

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