Of all of the sad and unhappy things we have heard are going on this year - theft, water shortages, staff shortages resulting in lack of cleanliness and less policing of people behaving like riff raff - this is by a long shot the worst thing I have heard yet.
The very thought that some moron thought his view was more important than the natural beauty of the tress at FCP is simply disgusting to me. In my very humble opinion, this speaks to a wider issue. People - not necessarily just younger people - seem to feel awfully entitled nowadays. Over the last few years we have seen more and more disrespect for the grounds at FCP, and for fellow campers.
I do not think this is limited to FCP - but it stands out to us all because of our love for it. We work hard for those precious reservations, wait all year for our turn to be there and enjoy everything that FCP is and all that it means to us. Some of us drive great distances for that privilege. And we recognize that this is exactly
what it is - a privilege. Take only photos, leave only footprints. That's the lifelong motto we were taught as children.
Now, we've got people
dumping trash
where ver they feel like, stealing from other people's campsites - a violation of a code we have all respected since time inmemoriam - relieving themselves in public in broad daylight within feet of a restroom - and acting as though they have some God-given right to kill trees to improve their view? We've seen people driving
far too fast thru the grounds - with no regard for children and fellow campers. Quiet hours now seem to be optional to these people - with no rangers patrolling at night.
We have 8 lifelong campers in our group - 3 of whom are Eagle Scouts - the last thing we do is police our sites for any sign that we were there. At Steve's suggestion, I have added the office
phone number to my cell phone. During my stay, besides enjoying my yearly trek to FCP - I will consider it my duty to be her protector. I want FCP to remain as it is for my grandchildren to enjoy with their families.
Okay, I am jumping down off my soapbox now.
