[Paddlewise] "Commado" Camping

I've been reading with interest the E-conversation about what's been 
referred to as "commando" camping. Out here in Washington state I (and 
like-minded friends) call it "guerrilla camping."

As a single woman paddler/cyclist/hiker/wanderer who often travels alone, I 
feel that it's generally safer for me to camp in a spot that pretty well 
conceals the fact that I'm there. I think it's generally safer for me to 
guerrilla-camp than it is for me to stay in a motel! When I camp, I pretty 
much take up a minimal amount of space -- just enough for me and my boat or 
pack or bike. It would never occur to me to start a fire or do anything else 
that would advertise that I was there. In fact, I rarely even set up a tent, 
not only because it could draw attention, but also because it would slow me 
down if for some reason I had to exit in a hurry.

Anyway, I have never asked permission of anyone to stay anywhere, largely 
because I don't want people to know I'm sleeping out under the stars all by 
my lonesome. It's not that I don't think that it's a courtesy to ask 
permission, it's just that I'm less interested in courtesy than in in my own 
personal safety. Presumably none of you male paddlers ever have to think 
this way.

I would like to note the difference in the terms used to describe this kind 
of camping. Webster's says a "commando" is "a member of a small fighting 
force specially trained for making quick, destructive raids." On the other 
hand, "guerrilla" is defined as "a member of an irregular force operating in 
small groups capable of great speed and mobility." I like to think that my 
secret camping has less to do with destructive raids than with speed and 
mobility! In fact, I often pick my guerrilla camping spot after dark (so as 
to ensure that the spot I've chosen doesn't turn out to be the local teenage 
party haunt, and also to reduce the chance that anyone will see me), and 
generally bug out by dawn.

Any other women guerrilla campers out there?


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************