>Here's the question: what techniques (camping/paddling) can we use to >minimize the impact we have? Should we use subdued colors, carry out our >wastes (I don't mean trash!), what? How far can/should we go to ensure we >take only pictures and leave only ripples from our paddles? The Maine Island Trail Association has a pamphlet called "Fragile Lands". It discusses this subject. A lot of the info is common sense. MITA 41A Union Wharf Portland, Maine 04101 We have been using a Tupperware type container for the past year now. We start with a plastic grocery bag inside the container. That way, if it gets fuller than we had expected, we can replace it and stow the full bag in the rear hatch. We put 2-3 inches of FLUSHABLE kitty litter into this bag. I like the kind that absorbs odor especially well. BTW, the clay, cheap litter is a drag to deal with once you are back home. The shape of the container is something to be experimented with. It is an interesting adventure to squat over these containers at your local supermarket or Tupperware Party. Height and width should be considered. (not of the squatter but of the bucket.) Each time one of us uses the "porta potty", we add a bit more litter on top of what's in there. TP goes into a separate, zip-lock baggie. We started out each having our own pot, but it took up a lot of space in the hatches and poop is poop, so I got over my hang-up quickly. I have talked to a fellow paddler who used an inflatable pot. It was an interesting idea. When the call of nature was upon him, he had to blow this thing up, insert the plastic liner, (get out of his wet/dry suit) and then there was nothing to lean or squat on that was stable. He had to hold himself in position during the whole process. I know that isn't a problem for some, but it is nice to be able to relax somewhat also, of course that leads to "grooves" in your back side, which brings up the old "Groovers". I am confident someone else will talk about those. Back to the Tupperware... upon arriving home, I just pretend I am emptying out the litter box with a slotted kitty litter scoop. Flush the stuff, one or two scoops at a time, put the plastic liner in the trash and I am done. To me, this is a process similar to changing diapers. Diapers are used to keep poop from places we don't want it to be. Why did I convert? I stepped in someone else's unburied stuff on an island one day. Now THAT was gross. Debra Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866] *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Apr 28 1998 - 05:05:17 PDT
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