Re: call to action


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Posted by Bodie the Dog on June 05, 2002 at 18:40:58:

In Reply to: Re: call to action posted by Inferno lover on June 04, 2002 at 23:32:32:

I'll spare you my usual long-winded lecture on moderation and equal access for all.

In my case, I like to drive as far as possible so that I have the time and energy available to hike and otherwise thoroughly explore an area, instead of walking into camp exhausted and going straight to dinner and the sleeping bag. I probably burn the same amount of calories as you (if not more), but unless you're some kind of ultra-marathoner or triathlete I see much more, as I do have the energy to run up that small hill to see what's on the other side. I don't mind descending down into a deep canyon to check for the possibility of petroglyphs, even though I will have to retrace my steps back up later. I can take a mile detour to check out that shiny thing in the distance (even if it proves to be a mylar balloon, as has been the case several times). I can loiter around the campsite in the morning, enjoying every aspect of the new day's arrival, because I don't have a tight schedule to meet.

Lazy? No. Selfish, in that I'm willing to contribute to the gradual degradation of the wildlands to further my own explorations? Yes. But as many others have pointed out, the impact of one vehicle on a pre-existing road, in an area of mostly alluvial gravels, seems to be pretty minimal.

Now, those SOB's who lead 12-car caravans down these same roads for personal monetary gain should be shot.


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