Re: [Paddlewise] Sea Kayakers Behavior

> BTW, on the question of asking permission, I made a distinction in the
> book between asking permission to camp of a property owner in a remote
> area (my suggestion is always ask in such a situation) and in a
> populated area (my suggestion is not ask).  I was thinking of vacation
> home people mainly in the latter.  A farmer in a remote place will
> almost aways say yes.  A vacation home owner is more resentfully
> guarding of his property and will likely say no and call the sheriff or
> make a citizen's arrest.

I think this statement is pretty far afield from reality.  In fact, I think
it's total nonsense.

I grew up in rural NC, lived for years on Martha's Vineyard in Mass (in a
very wealthy area along the coastd), and now live in NY, but have vacation
property in Maine.  My Maine property is right along the coast, in Rockport,
in an area where the MITA doesn't really have any good landings.  For
myself, I'm delighted to have kayakers land on my beach (which they do), and
eat, hang out, whatever.  I think most of the people along that coastline --
and this is a very wealthy coastline of "vacation homes" of great value --
would feel the same way.  My experiences kayaking up and down this coast
confirm this.  People are delighted to see us, wave and beckon, and are very
welcoming, even though they don't know I am really one of their neighbors.
All they see is kayaks and people and they are warm and welcoming.  In
short, the "vacation home" owners I know are wonderfully welcoming people,
and are receptive to kayakers (and other recreational users) along their
beaches.  I quite frankly think there is a prejudice against people who have
"vacation homes" based on resentment and class-based anger, and I think it
is totally unfounded and irrational.

OTOH, I do agree that rural people are also often very welcoming.  I've had
plenty of experiences that back this up, all over the US.  Here in Maine,
the rural people I have met have been wonderfully welcoming, genuine,
friendly and helpful.

As for "commando camping" -- bad news.  Bad news all around.  If you can
possibly find the owners, or residents, ask.  I can tell you, as I indicated
above, I am DELIGHTED to have paddlers come ashore on my property and camp,
etc.  But if I am around and available and they were to do so in a
"commando" mode, without asking, I'd resent it and be pissed.  All you have
to do is show a little civility.  All you have to do is show a little
respect for the property owner.  If you can't find it in you to do that, . .
. well, maybe you're not welcome after all.  And if enough jerks treat me
and my land that way, well. . . maybe eventually no one will be welcome.
So, my view: take a few minutes to scout around and find a way to politely
ask.  I really like the idea, mentioned earlier, that someone comes to the
house and asks to fill a water container.  Chances are anyone doing that at
my "vacation house" will be offered a hot meal, a warm bed, and hot shower,
a drive into town for any needed supplies, and general warmth and
hospitality.  Anyone sneaking around and thinking they are "commados" may be
tolerated but will be resented and will in the end harm the situation for
everyone.

So.  My two cents worth.  Back to lurk mode. . .

Mark Lane

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