And now, for some much needed humor, and maybe some conversation with the USFS, to lighten things up, while also establishing my point, read below:
These are actual comments left on U. S. Forest Service registration sheets and comment cards by backpackers completing wilderness camping trips:
*
“A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
*
“Escalators would help on steep uphill sections.”
*
“Instead of a permit system or regulations, the Forest Service needs to reduce worldwide population growth to limit the number of visitors to wilderness.”
*
“Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands.”
*
“Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.”
*
“All the mile markers are missing this year.”
*
“Found a smoldering cigarette left by a horse.”
*
“Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill.”
*
“Too many bugs and leeches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests.”
*
“Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow in the winter.”
*
“Chair lifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them.”
*
“The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals.”
*
“Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights.”
*
“Need more signs to keep area pristine.”
*
“A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.”
*
“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”
*
“Too many rocks in the mountains.”
OMG…too funny…and yet also sad…and a definate example of the conversation going on in “when tourists enter the wilds…”!
i received this exact same list in a mass emailing over ten years ago. it is funny but we should consider that perhaps the comments were intended to be so, either by their original authors or the person who may have made them all up for mailing.
I especially liked… “A McDonald’s would be nice at the trail head.” LOL
And I did find the one “Ban walking sticks in wilderness. Hikers that use walking sticks are more likely to chase animals.” very amusing. I use a cane or walking stick. *giggles*
Oh my gosh! There are indeed so many rocks in the mountains. We must do something about this at once!!! So, I guess everyone should go up into the mountains right now and get those rocks! You can bring them back and deposit them in front of my classroom and the students and I will paint Big Sur scenes on them.
That’s great, David. Expect a TON!!
8)
Oh Kate, thank you so much for all your hard work, diligence and the compassion you so exemplified during the holocaust. We wish blessings and expediency on you during your now “catch up” time.
I and many others relied on your blog, along with Xasauan and Surfire, of course, on a daily basis to stay current with the Big Sur fire, notices and and events. And congratulations on your excellent photography, and for being selected to show your photos in the Santa Cruz gallery, we all enjoyed your photos so much. You have our deep appreciation and gratitude.