TIL crane cabs went from bare metal to feeling like a spaceship

I was cleaning out some old job photos and saw a shot of a cab from the 90s. It was just a metal seat, basic levers, and a radio if you were lucky. Now you step into a new model and there are screens, climate control, even cup holders. We used to judge lift capacity by the sound of the engine and the feel of the cable. Today the computer tells you everything, which cuts down on mistakes. I kind of miss the simplicity of just you and the machine, no beeps or warnings. But I can't deny it's a lot safer and easier on long days. The trade has changed a ton, but at least my back doesn't ache as much after a shift.

Left a perfect sand dollar in the tide pool yesterday and still feel weird about it

Was walking the beach up north and found this flawless, huge sand dollar just sitting in a shallow pool. My first thought was to take it home, it was so pretty. But then I remembered they're living things, or at least were, and taking it felt wrong even if it was empty. Now I'm stuck thinking about where that line is for collecting beach stuff.

Arguing with my buddy: he plans every mile, I like to wander. What's your method for backpacking routes?