Re: [Paddlewise] "Commado" Camping

>About 20 Years ago I guerrilla camped while on a bicycle trip around Lake 
>Michigan and into Canada.  It was a lot of fun and a wonderful adventure, 
>but the greatest thing about it was the feeling of freedom.<
<snipsnip>

Yah, that's the thing! We all have so little freedom in our lives anymore, 
ya know? And isn't that a lot of what we're seeking by exploring under our 
own power in boats, on bikes, and on foot?

I generally guerrilla-camp as a rule and a plan, and only use campgrounds or 
official campsites when necessary, convenient, or to protect the natural 
environment. After all, showers are a good thing.... Of course, on 
frequently-used hiking trails in the mountains, I wouldn't think of 
squishing a garden of lovely wildflowers when there is a perfectly good 
denuded patch of hard packed mud to sleep on! ;-)

I disagree that guerrilla camping is theft. Like Joe Brzoza, all I leave is 
a little flat patch in the grass. And I also agree with the serious 
backpacker who never even cooks at his guerrilla camping spots... I think 
that's really in the true spirit of low-impact camping. Someone in a 
previous message said they think few people really understand how low-impact 
camping can really be. I think that's very true. Although I have to admit 
that when camping with friends at our local Cascadia Marine Trail sites here 
in Puget Sound, I do get a kick out of all the cool stuff my friends can 
cram into their boats... BBQs, lounge chairs, cakes, pies, coolers filled 
with steaks and beer.... When I pack for camping -- even at an 
honest-to-God, paid-for campsite -- I would never even think to bring such 
things! But don't get me wrong.... when they pull all those goodies out of 
their boats, I think to myself, "Why didn't I think of bringing that?!" And 
of course, I'm not opposed to steak handouts...... :-)

Bruce is right... not everyone is a conscientious guerrilla camper. I guess 
that's why I don't talk a whole lot about guerrilla camping to folks who 
don't already do it (besides, I wouldn't want them to find and take over my 
own favorite spots.....!). I'm confident that my friends who engage in this 
secret pasttime do take very good care of the 5x10 spaces they occupy for 
six or eight hours. As for the yahoos who are actually engaging in "commando 
partying" and leave their beer cans, cig butts and trash behind.... well, I 
doubt any of those types are even in on this conversation!

Happy guerrilla camping!

SYOW, Kasia


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