I hope folks realize my rant the other day was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, and I bear no ill-will toward Peter. I also hope folks understand that some of my wilder paddling adventures, such as hair-boating at night in tide races was done many moons ago when I had the strength and stamina to get myself out of whatever I could get myself into. But the ocean is always in control, demanding the upmost care, and I knew that even in my younger days. I also know that the slide toward mediocrity in life can be an ever present threat that undermines a sense of well being for those that thrive at the edge. At the edge, one is acutely focused, and must have a certain calm, control, and presence of character. Foolhardy adrenaline junkies with no experience, little skill, negligible local knowledge, and nonexistent back-up skills, will indeed often find natural selection taking its course. One other point for those who care to listen, or care at all (obviously some due, as I had back-channel comments), the surf course I put on and reported here on PW was a very safe and productive time. The bulk of the class pulled way from the heavy surf zone soon occupied by the growing number of board surfers. With the class taken care of, I was the one that was perhaps getting too close to the other "water users". If I had been at the next beach up (Sombrio), I would have probably had my vehicle vandalized (as a minimum!). Sorry if the report gave the impression that the group infringed upon the locals, though the whole issue of localism is still a big one, and that was what I was alluding to. The site at Jordan River was given by the logging company in the area as a recreational spot for all participants, and cannot be claimed by any one group as their domain. Enough ham and spam, DL. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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