Re: RC: American River Ride

[Lif Strand <fasterhorses@gilanet.com>]

At 10:44 PM 5/4/00 -0400, Sylvia wrote:
> It protects the QUALITY of the experience for
> those of us .....  Apparently there were other areas to camp -- why
> not go there?  

I thought I read that the alternative camping area was not a horse
camp.  Sorry, I don't leave my horse unattended.  Completely
out of the question.  Kind of like if I went somewhere & found
out that kids weren't allowed.  I wouldn't go sleep somewhere else
and leave my kids behind.  No way.  Absolutely not, makes no
difference if it's kids or horses, it just ain't gonna happen.

The issue here to me is whether or not it is right and proper and within
the boundaries of acceptable regulation for any parks dept. to create
elitist camping areas.  The original reason was that of
"sanitation" and I am saying that "sanitation" is a
thin cover for no acceptable reason at all for excluding everyone from
using public camping areas uless they have mega dollar vehicles with
built-in flush toilets, hot & cold running water and whatever all
else that constitutes "self contained vehicles" (compare the
cost of the cheapest "self contained vehicle" to that of a
sleeping bag, camp stove and using a porta potty).  By their
regulations Paul & I could not camp there and sleep in our horse
trailer - it has a shower & a toilet but no built in stove., thus not
a "self contained vehicle".

Why even pretend that it's a park any more for public to enjoy all
outdoor activities, including cooking outside and sleeping under the
stars?   Why don't they just build condos and sell time
share?  Everyone could just stay inside until it's race time, then
all drive golf carts over to the stable area where the grooms have
prepared the steeds for the race.  OK, OK, I'm getting carried
away.

If population is an issue, you limit the number that can use an area at
one time.  You don't tell people they don't have the right equipment
to camp.   

Watch it, Sylvia - they probably will create a blender requirement and
the next thing you know they'll require brand name tequila for the
margaritas.  Where is the line drawn?  

This is not what Teddy Roosevelt had in mind when the National Parks
System was set up.  Having to have a motor home to attend a ride is
not my idea of a quality camping experience.  If it is for someone
else, fine, but when it becomes regulation, it's gone way too far. 
Lif

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