I almost downloaded a pebble-identifying app – but some stones should be left unturned

I have apps that analyse every bird, plane and plant - now I need my sense of wonder back

In the great outdoors, I find peace. Up hills, down dales, on beaches and cliffs and in fields and woods, I am a study in contentment. Just me and God's green Earth. And my phone. Put the bloody thing away," implores a voice next to me, or in my head. But I can't comply.

It was the plane-tracking app that came for me first. Before I knew it, I couldn't simply enjoy any blue sky if it had an aircraft in it. Now, I had to know exactly where that plane was flying from and to. The app tells me when it left, when it will arrive and, for added interest, where else it has been that day, and yesterday, and the day before.