Re: [Paddlewise] Fw: National Park User Fees

Larry Bliven wrote:
> 
> Jackie and Paddlewise folks,
> 
> thanks for your support of  *Caveman's* request for letters.
> 
> i sent a letter and received the enclosed reply, so our messages are being
> presented to Thailand government heads-of-state.
> 
> let's rally and help Caveman and the environment on the important goals of
> (a) a safe work place for kayak outfitters,
> (b) safe national parks
> (c) National Park User Fees paid directly to the Thai government rather than
> local bandits.
> 
> please take time and send a note to
> From: Secretariat_pm <Secretariat_pm_at_THAIGOV.GO.TH>
> 
> thanks,
> 
> bye bye bliven

I second that.  I met Caveman when he was here in New York City earlier
this year to pick up the 1997 ASTA/Smithsonian award at a gala dinner on
Park Avenue (which he invited me to attend as his guest...good food and
a terrific door gift...a leatherbound travel alarm worth about $80!!!). 
The award is given to one or two individuals (or their operations) each
year for achievement in environmental tourism.

Caveman John is quite a colorful character.  We paddled to the Statue of
Liberty in one of his inflatables used for cave explorations by Sea
Canoe.  He also hung around the Downtown Boathouse chatting up people.

Sea Canoe is owned and operated by locals in the countries they are
located in.  John's operation basically now just helps set up these
local companies and helps them book tours.  His descriptions of Thailand
make it sound like the Old Wild West.  So it is no surprise that one of
the local operators got shot; John was predicting that something like
that might happen.  John and the local Sea Canoe companies are extremely
careful in what they do within the caves.  They self-limit their own
access.  They avoid touching anything when inside of them; certainly no
graffitti or chipping away at cave walls.  All the crews are carefully
trained in sea kayaking, first aid, etc. and are very mindful and
respectful of the delicate environment.

So let us indeed support Caveman John the way he asks.

ralph diaz 
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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