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

Hayduke Lives!

See The Monkey Wrench Gang, by Edward Abbey. Soon to be released as
a motion picture.

Roger

dianem_at_sd61.bc.ca wrote:

> (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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