8 Days Without Screens A Break That Changed Everything
The sun was shining. The water at Meelup Beach was a perfect shade of blue. I had no screens and no distractions. Just the sound of waves and laughter. I had stepped away from computers and drones for eight days, giving myself a rare chance to disconnect.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
A dark cloud rose in the distance. Smoke. I packed up and hit the road, heading towards Dunsborough. The closer I got, the heavier the air became. People stood outside their homes, some filming with their phones, calling loved ones, and some watching silently. I could see some despair in their faces.
The smell of smoke filled the car. Firefighters were battling to protect homes. Lives were at risk.
And then I heard the news.
Aerial firefighting operations had to stop. Rogue drones were flying in the area.
The Challenge of Unplugging
Before this intense moment, my biggest struggle was much smaller. I had decided to take a full eight-day break from technology while exploring the Busselton and Dunsborough area.
No computer, no drone. Just me, my family, and the beauty of Western Australia.
At first, it felt impossible. The fear of missing out was real. I kept thinking about emails, messages, and updates I wasn’t seeing. But slowly, I adjusted. And in return, I gained something far more valuable.
The Benefits of Stepping Away
The biggest gift was time.
- Time to reflect on my past, present, and future
- Time to be truly present with my family
- Time to read, and the book I had with me couldn’t have been more fitting: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
Without the constant pull of screens, my mind felt clearer. I could think deeper. The days felt longer, richer, and more meaningful.
The Downsides of No Tech
But not everything was easy.
Incredible landscapes surrounded me, and I couldn’t capture any of them. No drone shots, no photos. Just memories. While that sounds poetic, it was frustrating at times.
And of course, staying disconnected meant I had no idea what was happening outside my little bubble.
That ignorance disappeared in an instant when I saw the smoke rising from Dunsborough.
The Fire That Stopped Everything
That morning, I had been enjoying the perfect day. But as I drove towards the town, the atmosphere shifted.
Smoke thickened. Visibility dropped. People stood on the roadside, staring. Some looked worried. Others looked helpless.
Then I saw them.
Firefighters battling flames dangerously close to homes.
The smell of burning trees and grass filled the air. This wasn’t just another news story. This was real. And it was happening right in front of me.
Then came the shock: Drone pilots were flying over the fire (for fun?).
Because of them, aerial firefighters had to stop.
When Drones Become Dangerous
I’ve always loved drones. They give us incredible views and open up new creative possibilities. But this moment made me realise something:
Too many people don’t understand the consequences of their actions.
Firefighting aircraft rely on clear airspace. If a drone is spotted, everything has to stop. A water bomber colliding with a drone could cause a catastrophic accident.
And yet, some pilots ignored the rules.
Drones have never been more affordable or accessible, but awareness hasn’t kept up. Some people simply don’t care about the impact of their choices.
The Cost of Reckless Flying
Stopping aerial firefighting in the middle of a bushfire isn’t just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.
- Every minute counts. Fires spread fast, and delays could mean the difference between saving or losing homes.
- Lives are at risk. Firefighters, residents, and even wildlife depend on a quick response.
- Resources are wasted. When aircraft are grounded, ground crews are put under even more pressure.
It’s frustrating. It’s avoidable. And it needs to stop.
The Bigger Picture
This experience made me think about responsibility.
Not just when flying drones, but in all aspects of life. Our actions always have consequences.
I thought my biggest challenge would be surviving without tech for a week. But in the end, the biggest lesson was this:
Some people risk everything for a moment of entertainment.
And that’s not just reckless; it’s selfish.
Would I Take Another Tech Break?
Absolutely. In fact, I think I need to do it more often.
This time with my family, especially my baby daughter, was priceless. Time flies, and I don’t want to look back one day and realise I spent too much of it behind a screen.
Next time, though? I might extend the break even longer.
Because as much as I love technology, this trip reminded me of something important: some moments are better lived than captured.
