Cantrell joined Shurtleff's administration as a community relations director, meeting on behalf of the GOP official with a wide range of groups including polygamists. He was wooed to the Senate five years ago, where he has been nationally recognized for developing senatesite.com.

Using online tools to communicate with the public might seem out of place for someone more at home in the backcountry than the backrooms of state government. That's not the case with Cantrell.

Although he insists there's no reason to carry gear into the wild — why bring a knife when a rock can be chipped to reveal a sharp edge — Cantrell is seldom without that BlackBerry. Or his laptop. "I don't want to be cut off," he says.

Don't think that means he's settled down, though. Even though Cantrell no longer has time for a side business leading wilderness expeditions, he still dreams of taking off again, this time with his family.

Where, though, is unclear. His wife has talked about Oregon. Cantrell, however, said he fantasizes about moving to Mexico, maybe to a buffalo ranch.

Still, after surviving a bout of cancer several years ago, he recognizes civilization has its place.

"I don't like modern society, but it saved my life," Cantrell said. For now, he's finding satisfaction helping Utahns realize that government can offer them the same solace as the wilderness, "the self-reliant, sweet feeling of freedom."

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