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.

Aside from brushing elbows with the famous, I was able to meet many new festival visitors and demonstrated various ways to make fire using friction, percussion, and solar methods. For lunch I prepared fish for baking by covering it with mustard green leaves then covering that bundle with clay and placing it on coals. It normally takes about 45 minutes to bake with abundant coals but with the modest amount that I had generated the time had to be extended a bit. The results were great. I handed out chop-sticks to the adventurous folk who eagerly waited to pull off a piece of tender fish.

One of the fun aspects of this event is that I get to erect my Cheyenne style teepee and my 5 foot long fish “pillow” on a tripod. Both of these displays draw lots of interest for “photo ops”. I try to let the photographers get in their family photos too and occasionally become the photographer for them. Of course it is an honor to be a subject of their photos and I would like to thank all of the folks who share them with me as I get so involved that I forget to take me own photos of the event.

The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is held the first Saturday each October. Perhaps I’ll see you next year?!?