----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 9:19
PM
Subject: RC: American River Ride
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
______________________________________________________
Lif
& Paul Strand STRAND
ENTERPRISES fasterhorses.com
providing you with alternatives for your
life
Web Page Design * Computer
Graphics * Internet Research * Fine Art
Blue-Green Algae & other
complementary health options
Arabian Horses for Distance Riding
fax: (561)
594-4609