MW, I would love to join, but that link you shared for scheduling indicates $37/night. I'm not paying that to pitch a tent. Are there options that don't cost the Motel 6 rate with extra labor?
I hope you are ready for a long winded, rambling reply!
First I'll give you my historical perspective, then a practical solution.
I spent eight years working for the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee. Over the course of those years, nothing was more frustrating than trying to work with the leadership and bureaucracy of Washington State Parks. Incompetent? That doesn't begin to accurately state the situation. Holy Shit Incompetent! That gets closer to it.
In my never humble opinion, the men and women on the ground running our individual parks, the people taking care of them, the rangers, the folks who keep them secure, are superb. Good people, doing their jobs well. I think you'll plainly see that while you are out at the park camping with us.
But they are led by people who are completely unfit.
I do though have a practical solution for you:
Each space easily has room for a couple of tents. You and our Brother Chad could team up on one. As I understand it, he and Dom are snagging two sites that are connected to each other, so plenty of room there for four setups.
That's what VW Clayton and I are doing. I'll have my truly massive and awe inspiring Apache Chief set up, and he'll find a good place somewhere on my site to claim as his own.
We would definitely welcome the company Thomas! Though I imagine it means we will both owe Dom a couple beverages. Plus we can teach the munchkins some bushcraft skills if I can find a bow and spindle for the campfire... if not we can make one.
I do understand, and deeply respect the work the rangers do; it's not their fault our legislatures are so damn incompetent. The pricing really bothers me something fierce, though, given camping used to be one of those things that anyone could do for relatively cheap and created lifelong memories for young families.
When the powers that be raise prices to a point where lower middle class families cannot afford to rough it in the woods anymore, we've got some serious budgetary issues that need discussed in Olympia. I digress.
I can certainly squeeze my backpacking tent into a corner somewhere, and if I can convince the lady to drag the kids out that Friday evening, I'll make sure to bring the Grand Hut as well. Appreciate you gentlemen!
I live within the city limits of Buffalo, NY and I see deer regularly in the empty lot across the street. Others have said they've seen deer for the first time in their neighborhoods in various suburbs. Overpopulation perhaps.
I think it is overpopulation. License sales data shows (At least for Washington) that each and every year, fewer and fewer people hunt. And of course generations of people long ago removed predator populations, so there's not much to check population growth. The deer have to live somewhere.
I think they were regularly in the north parts of our little city for quite some time now, but I was surprised to find them right here in the heart of it.
That would be great! The only thing you need is a 'Discover Pass' to park your car in the Park.
Yep, I know, your tax dollars already paid to build the park, and your tax dollars already go to operate the park, but the State really, really needs another fifty bucks a year to waste!
When you reach the park, it is divided by the Jackson Highway (little two lane country road, but anyway) you'll take the entrance to the right (heading to the west side of the park). As you go through, there will be a really big picnic shelter type thing on your left. That's the facility we've rented for Saturday. If we aren't there yet, just keep driving into the camping loop. I'll be in site #14, and I'll have a yellow sign saying "Grand Master Parking Only." Unless I forget the sign at home of course.
MW, I would love to join, but that link you shared for scheduling indicates $37/night. I'm not paying that to pitch a tent. Are there options that don't cost the Motel 6 rate with extra labor?
I hope you are ready for a long winded, rambling reply!
First I'll give you my historical perspective, then a practical solution.
I spent eight years working for the Chairman of the Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee. Over the course of those years, nothing was more frustrating than trying to work with the leadership and bureaucracy of Washington State Parks. Incompetent? That doesn't begin to accurately state the situation. Holy Shit Incompetent! That gets closer to it.
In my never humble opinion, the men and women on the ground running our individual parks, the people taking care of them, the rangers, the folks who keep them secure, are superb. Good people, doing their jobs well. I think you'll plainly see that while you are out at the park camping with us.
But they are led by people who are completely unfit.
I do though have a practical solution for you:
Each space easily has room for a couple of tents. You and our Brother Chad could team up on one. As I understand it, he and Dom are snagging two sites that are connected to each other, so plenty of room there for four setups.
That's what VW Clayton and I are doing. I'll have my truly massive and awe inspiring Apache Chief set up, and he'll find a good place somewhere on my site to claim as his own.
We would definitely welcome the company Thomas! Though I imagine it means we will both owe Dom a couple beverages. Plus we can teach the munchkins some bushcraft skills if I can find a bow and spindle for the campfire... if not we can make one.
Thanks Chad! We'll have lots of room with all our sites right there in a row.
I do understand, and deeply respect the work the rangers do; it's not their fault our legislatures are so damn incompetent. The pricing really bothers me something fierce, though, given camping used to be one of those things that anyone could do for relatively cheap and created lifelong memories for young families.
When the powers that be raise prices to a point where lower middle class families cannot afford to rough it in the woods anymore, we've got some serious budgetary issues that need discussed in Olympia. I digress.
I can certainly squeeze my backpacking tent into a corner somewhere, and if I can convince the lady to drag the kids out that Friday evening, I'll make sure to bring the Grand Hut as well. Appreciate you gentlemen!
I live within the city limits of Buffalo, NY and I see deer regularly in the empty lot across the street. Others have said they've seen deer for the first time in their neighborhoods in various suburbs. Overpopulation perhaps.
I think it is overpopulation. License sales data shows (At least for Washington) that each and every year, fewer and fewer people hunt. And of course generations of people long ago removed predator populations, so there's not much to check population growth. The deer have to live somewhere.
I think they were regularly in the north parts of our little city for quite some time now, but I was surprised to find them right here in the heart of it.
I'll be there! Just reserved my spot.
Awesome! It should prove to be a great time.
I’m thinking about just coming down for the day on Saturday, any specific instructions? It’s a two hour drive, a big shorter in my new toy.
That would be great! The only thing you need is a 'Discover Pass' to park your car in the Park.
Yep, I know, your tax dollars already paid to build the park, and your tax dollars already go to operate the park, but the State really, really needs another fifty bucks a year to waste!
When you reach the park, it is divided by the Jackson Highway (little two lane country road, but anyway) you'll take the entrance to the right (heading to the west side of the park). As you go through, there will be a really big picnic shelter type thing on your left. That's the facility we've rented for Saturday. If we aren't there yet, just keep driving into the camping loop. I'll be in site #14, and I'll have a yellow sign saying "Grand Master Parking Only." Unless I forget the sign at home of course.
I believe I only need to buy a day pass for $10 dollars. I’ll have to remember to buy one before I head down.
Yes. Day passes are 10 bucks. But of course you are buying one from the State, so they want another 1.5 dollars for a handling fee.
Pretty slick that. They charge you to collect their taxes from you. 😎 I think they teach that trick at the Al Capone school of government.
Looking forward to the trip! Its going to be a good time!
It's going to be great, and I'm really glad that you'll be joining us!