Re: [Paddlewise] "Commado" Camping

Jackie wrote:

[snip]
> In some places (don't know about your area) one measure a property
> owner has for protecting themselves from losing their property to civil
> lawsuit in case a tresspasser becomes injured on their property is to
> post it with "No Tresspassing" signs.

This is exactly right.  I know plenty of people who put up no trespassing
signs solely because the absence of them can be relevant in any liability
determination.  It's unfortunate.  I have resisted putting up the signs
myself, and most of my neighbors along the coast have, as well (obnoxious
vacation home owners that they are <g>).  The signs themselves deface the
nature beauty of the place, but some people do feel the need to have them.

There is an old trail that runs along the coast from Rockland to Rockport --
or at least it used to run that distance -- which crosses my property and
that of lots of other people.  For the fairly nice stretch from Rockport out
a couple of miles, I know of only two people who have put up no trespassing
signs.  In one case, I believe it was for liability reasons, and folks do
walk the trail across that piece.  In other case, it is my understanding
that the owner really does not want people to walk the property.  It's sad,
because the trail is very beautiful.  There is also a Nature Conservancy
piece nearby where the trail can be accessed (legally -- there is even a
trailhead marker with maps) from the road.  I have found it pleasing to see
that so many of the "vacation home owners" along the stretch have no
objection to keeping the trail open to those who wish to walk along the
shore.  If you land your kayak here, it can be a nice stroll.

Mark

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