K. Whilden wrote: > > On Fri, 12 Jun 1998 Tomckayak_at_aol.com wrote: > > > What we do not need is more guide books:( [snip] > I think this is a depressing attitude. Kayaking is still a fledgling > sport, and I would say that we should never attempt to hinder other > peoples enjoyment or access to kayaking, if not actively help promote > this. Guidebooks are one remarkable way to promote the above, for example, > with good info on accessibility of launches and campsites [snip] > I would like to know of a place where there are too many sea kayakers. > Probably the biggest crowding problem involves other kinds of boats. > Whenever I see other kayakers on the water, I consider 'em family. Well, I know of some places which have a lot of people. Too much? That depends on what you want. Sometimes, yes, there ARE too many people! Too much in that you have to play the "campground game" to find a campsite -- leave your (inferior) campsite very early and arrive at a more desirable one as the current occupants are leaving -- beating those who got out of bed late or took their time paddling! I think Tom's attitude is understandable. I'd be upset if someone nailed down all my little spots in a guidebook of my home paddling area. And, guidebooks do influence folks to try new areas. I think the hordes are a reality. We can not ignore them (us!). I try to visit areas which are not "discovered" yet. That's what I strongly prefer. Some areas, however, like the Brokens, are already saturated with paddlers, and I enjoy them for what they are: a terrific paddling spot with lots of people. Most of the people are very nice, and fun to talk to in camp. They are generally unobtrusive on the water, EXCEPT lots of people have a deleterious effect on seeing wildlife. I've seen first-hand the effects of over-use of high country, some associated with publication of guidebooks. And, I have returned more than once from an extended, off-trail backpack to find my "secret" route or region featured in an outdoor magazine! It sorta gets to be chicken and egg, though, whether the guidebooks CAUSE the overcrowding or the hordes of people lead to the publication of guidebooks. I get a headache thinking about stuff like that! -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Jun 12 1998 - 22:57:52 PDT
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