Re: [Paddlewise] Review: Kayak Routes of the PacNW Coast

I think you make a very good point, Dave and I am glad you spoke up.

It's kind of like those folks who have move here to Maine, "from Away".
After a few years, they forget how happy they were to discover the state and
how glad they were to get away from wherever they came from. THEN, they
complain about all the "tourists" and "outsiders".

Yes, I would love to keep kayaking a secret, now that I know about it. I
think many of us feel the same way, but, as a mom and a paddler...I have to
remember all things aren't fair or ideal.

Debra
Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network
-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_seasurf.com>
To: K. Whilden <kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu>
Cc: PaddleWise <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Saturday, June 13, 1998 2:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Review: Kayak Routes of the PacNW Coast


>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
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