Re: [Paddlewise] "Commado" Camping

> From owner-paddlewise_at_ns1.intelenet.net Thu Jul  6 12:15 PDT 2000

> 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. 

And what do you plan to do when whomever it is you are hiding from finds 
you while you are out there all alone?  I'm surprised at the number of 
people who think they are unobserved when in fact, locals often
know you are there.  Some react, some do not.  If the owner doesn't know 
you are there at that time, often they find out later.  Some are not 
amused. 

I've camped alone plenty of times in campgrounds and on public land and 
never felt threatened.  I'd rather be visible to other campers than
camped in a remote area alone where I was not supposed to be.  I reserve
the really remote primitive camping that I do on public land and away
from campgrounds for those trips with myself and one or more other 
persons if I am concerned about my safety as a female paddler.
 
<snip>
> 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.

 A lot of folks own land in remote areas because they, too, are seeking 
privacy and solitude far from the maddening crowd. I would say be aware 
that it is possible at some point an owner is going to decide to press 
charges and my guess would be that any court would have more sympathy to
the owner's right to privacy on their own property than your need to feel
safe while out exploring freedom through camping alone.

Paddlers tresspassing to camp on private land without permission sounds 
like a good argument for boat registration. (sigh) 

Regards,

Jackie
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************