[pct-l] The Selling of our Wilderness to the highest bidder

[Montedodge@aol.com (Montedodge@aol.com)]

 You are correct about the guides on Rainier being jerks Dave. Anytime the 
government gives special rights to any one group in the name of the all 
mighty dollar, you will have problems. Just as Rainier has become a cash cow 
to the guide service in the park, the rivers are dollar signs to the pro 
river runner crowd. The park service gives most white water permits in the 
Grand Canyon and Idaho's better rivers to guide services with only a token 
few  remaining for private river runners. The park service should go 50-50 on 
the permits and alternate weeks on the rivers between the guide service folks 
and privite runners. Just as the Rainier Guides think they own the mountain, 
river services hog most the good campsites and push private river runners out 
of the way. At least, the PCT is free of this type of conflict. Guides do 
provide a good service for less skilled climbers and white water fans, but 
shouldn't take 80% of permits. Rainier is climbed 11,000 times each year now 
days with 6,500 going through a guide service for 465.00 a head. Even if 300 
hikers do the PCT each year,these numbers are low and spread out over a 
finishing date of a few months. The thru-hiker crowd on the PCT are some of 
the most un-selfish people in the wilderness. Most would give you the shirt 
off their back if in need. As opposed to crowded climbers on Rainier who 
would take the shirt off your back just to watch you freeze. Happy Valentines 
Happy!!!!