Re: [Paddlewise] Dave's Spot: Angst about "Sharing"

(big snip of totally justified angst)
>We've know for a long time that the enemy is us, especially more of us.
>I just need some help sorting out how to handle all of this.  What's a
>body to do?  Hayduke's methods seem inappropriate here!
>
>Thanks for your help.

First, who's Hayduke?

Yes, the enemy is us and I can certainly dive into my own deep pool of
angst, even without the beer ;)  if I follow that thought. I don't foresee
any fewer of us (though one never knows what plans Gaia, and the rest of
our species, have for us); in fact, plenty more of us. Years ago I was all
thrilled with ecotourism. But then I began to see what was happening to
places of incerdible beauty, when they were made more accessible. Long
Beach. I cried. Sombrio. I cried.  Right in front of all the surfers. It
used to be hard to get to these places, but it was worth it. Now it's easy,
and not so worth it.

I was shocked by the bureaucracy interfering in my wilderness experience
when a quota system was instituted five or six years ago, for hiking the
West Coast Trail here on the Island. But I support it now.  Given the
numbers of us who want to be there at any given time, we have to agree to
some  method of filtering us through.  Once you're on  the trail, you
pretty well have to finish at the other end, unless you can find a way to
get to the windsurfers' camp up the river in the middle, and go out there.
I think that's harder now than it used to be. (That's how I came in,last
time). It is easier to check permits on a point a to point b land trail
than on a water trail.  However, we, the enemy, may have to agree to limit
our own access to some of the places we would like to be able to get to
whenever the spirit moves us, and get in line for a permit. Someone would
have to be out there checking permits, and arguing wih people who didn't
have one....

I'm surprised that  I'm onside with needing a permit  but our love is
killing the wild places.

I want to to back to Vargas Island this summer. To years ago there was one
tour group farther down the beach. What will it be this year? The Vargas
Starbuck's?
And by just being there,I am part of the problem.

Last year in Nootka Sound I met a couple from Oregon who were lamenting
what had happened to much of the waterfront there, and were urging us who
call BC home to do all we could to prevent that happening here.

I trust WC2 nd the Georgia Strait Alliance and the Marine Trails
Association to act in the interest of the wild places and cretures, and to
encourage responsible paddling.  I try to keep in mind what I learn from
others about leaving the wild ones space and not getting too close.  About
low impact on the places I visit.

Maybe I'll just paddle the harbour and watch the nesting habits of the
elusive seaplanes while dodging whale watching tour boats and tourist
sailboats and motorcraft!  ;)

Diane





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