American River Ride

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Patty Jackson jbco@jps.net
The park rangers DID visit during day light to see if we
were complying with the rules.  I learned of this rule as
I drove in through the front gate and was denied a camping
permit.  In the afternoon, a ranger drove around the camp
ground and spoke with those who were not self-contained (me
included) and informed us of the rules.  This man, I must add,
was friendly and seemed understanding, but had to enforce
the rules. 

Still in the afternoon, I located the ranger with the dog, and
asked her what I needed to do.  She was sympathetic, but still
stated the rules.  I was told to leave my horse and trailer
in the horse area, and camp in the other camp site reserved by
ride management.

I was not present during the raid and can say nothing of what
occurred at that point.  

Last year I did this ride, and had a tent set up.  I remember
the rangers announcing at the ride meeting that tents were not
allowed.  This is not a new rule.  They just decided to get very
serious this year.  Ride management should have warned us.
Management claims they learned of this rule a week before the
ride.  The rangers said management was informed of this when
the paper work was completed to use the park.

This is why I did not pack a tent, but planned to sleep in my
extended cab.  This, too, is not legal.  I have trouble believing
that management did not know.

I seriously doubt I will be back.

Patty Jackson