However, until recently, I could not find a reasonable way to mount the cell phone camera for steady shots or position it for self portraits beyond arm-length selfies. What I was looking for would be able to hold the camera at any angle and could be free-standing or be hung/attached to a support such as a limb or crevice in a rock. There are some flexible mini tripods available for cameras but they require the use of a mounting screw.

To my delight I discovered a new product called “Gear Tie” made by Nite Ize Innovation. It is a reusable rubber twist tie that is incredibly flexible with a “grippy” surface. Each GearTie is 32″ long and can be wound around my cell phone to hold it while having extra length with which to prop or hang it as needed. When not in use I can coil it into an oval that easily fits into my pocket. Whenever I go for walks or while attending events I am able to use my cell phone camera to capture the moment.

For photographers to be included in a photo, some cell phone apps have timers to allow them to position themselves in front of the camera. In some instances, this is impractical such as the case where you might be crossing a log over a stream. In this case I use an app called “whistle camera” that allows me to operate the shutter remotely by whistling. It has a user defined delay so you don’t have pursed lips at the moment of activation. This app when combined with the GearTie mounted cell phone camera has allowed me to capture some wonderful moments. This combination could prove to be your new best friend on your next adventure.

In my pursuit of primitive and survival skills I have watched numerous survival reality shows and I’ve seen folks chase grasshoppers as a food source unsuccessfully while wasting precious calories in the process. One of the secrets of catching grasshoppers is that in the early morning hours the temperature is lower and thus the grasshoppers are slower. As the day warms up the grasshoppers are faster. This is where a butterfly net will give you a greater advantage over their accelerated evasion techniques.

Most towns these days have a “dollar store” that often have inexpensive nets for sale in the toy section. For a few dollars you can stock up on these “fishing” tools that you can store in your car, boat, or other convenient locations for easy access when spontaneous opportunities for fishing strike.