Re: [Paddlewise] Peace River experience

In a message dated 11/08/1999 4:06:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
BDenton_at_aquagulf.com writes:

<< Do the "rednecks" have any less right to enjoy their pastimes on their
 river, then we do? It's a tough question with no easy answer..  >>

Well, I was going to keep my mouth shut but.......

I was part of a group of 15 Miami Group Sierra Club members on the Peace 
River three weekends ago (Oct. 23-25).

It was pretty much as described in the original story.  The busloads of 
canoers with all their gear and radios started arriving before daylight -- 
and they kept coming and coming.  We had to squeeze in for a chance at the 
ramp before the next busload.

Yes, we saw some tipping and stuff floating and we were worried about not 
finding any camping space.  The trash was deplorable and a river cleanup is 
definitely in order.  I picked up quite a bit of trash at the take-out. 

Perhaps there is a more positive way to educate and encourage river users to 
be more conscious of the visual and real damage.  "If you are not part of the 
solution, then you are part of the problem" is roughly how that saying goes, 
I believe.  Then there is always the cartoon character Pogo who said, "We 
have seen the enemy, and the enemy is us."

That said, we had a great time.  Everyone we passed (or passed us) was 
friendly, waved, chatted.  The canoes seemed to spread out and there was no 
real congestion.  We found a great camping spot, did not hear anyone else's 
noise, and had a whale of a time "tubing" with our PFD's on.

I do espouse a "live and let live" attitude, so perhaps am more tolerant than 
others.  We had hours of solo paddling and enjoyed the serenity of the river.

Sandy Kramer who can usually manage to have a good time wherever she goes
Miami


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