RE: [Paddlewise] Speaking of GPS

> Michael emailed me back channel to explain that where he paddles (east
> coast
> of the US), it is often a very long drive just to reach a paddleplace,
and
> then a hassle to find a decent place to camp that is not already
occupied.
> 
> This is in contrast to what we west coasters have:  manifold places to
> paddle
> where the crush to find an available campsite is not so severe.
> 
> Alas, the vagaries of population pressure!  I bet if I lived where
Michael
> does, I'd be more of his persuasion ...

I'm an east coaster (Virginia), and I know exactly what he's talking
about.  In my neck of the woods, you don't just pull ashore and pick a
spot, even if camping is allowed "anywhere".  It's easy for the
government to say "camp anywhere" when there isn't anyplace to camp!
For example, the undergrowth is so thick, you usually can't see anything
along the shores past the first outer layer of leaves, from the top of
the soil all the way to the top of the trees, and trying to hack your
way into it to even walk around can be next to impossible (not to
mention undesirable for the sake of the "hacking").  Finding a foot
print big enough to pitch a tent would be a real challenge.... voice of
experience.  I NEVER go out anymore unless I know EXACTLY where I'll
find a camp spot.... and hope it's not already occupied, and heaven help
me if it is.

I too have been in situations where I just wanted to know the
coordinates for put-ins, take-outs, established camp sites that may be
difficult to find due to not being able to see more than a 1 foot wide
path leading into the dense woods, and so forth.  Not secret spots...
just a place to sleep for the night.

So, I don't think he's looking for "secret spots"..... just "directions"
to well known but sometimes hard to spot "stuff".  Could be as mundane
as "take out here, walk 1/4 mile to a convenience store for snacks and a
bathroom."

I feel for you Michael.  BTW - if you take that trip, send me your trip
report (with GPS coordinates, of course!  :-)).  I've seen a tad of info
on that Lake and it sounds a little intriguing... maybe I'll have to go
one day.

Rick
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