I'm sorry for the

It was not my intent to create paranoia. I guess I was putting out a
plea for people to be a little more compassionate to those who are
less capable or well oriented. When I had my little mis-adventure I
was embarrassed about the bad descisions I made to get me into the
situation. If I had to be rescued, you can be assured that I
wouldn't have even mentioned letterboxing. It's a little bit
disturbing to see the sparring match this has created and the way
that people have taken it as a personal attack.

First let me say that there's a difference between being a bleeding
heart and a compassionate person. I get just as annoyed as anyone by
being weighted down by people who have no business doing certain
things. That even goes back 20+ years to my scout leader days when
I'd had to stay back with a kid who wasn't capable of being on the
trail. (I was a summer camp counselor and didn't have much choice who
they gave me) However, we have to find a happy medium. I've heard
many people say that they won't compromise their enjoyment for some
idiot who doesn't know enough to come out of the rain. Well, I won't
compromise human life for a lousy hobbie. However, read on because I
think there's a way out of it.

Read my suggestions below and think about this. Also, check out the
below mentioned thread from April (circa 4/25). We're going to have
to work together on this one. We'll need a little brainstorming.

I think that there's an underlying issue we need to look at. I
alluded to this in April in the "Letterboxing in National Parks"
thread. We need to look at other outdoor organizations like the
Sierra Club and some of the trail organizations that are actively
doing things on public land. If a trail club builds a shelter or a
bridge, what protects them from liability? Their structure and
operating procedures need to be studied.

Here's some possibilities for the sake of brainstorming:

*If a non-profit corp. were created, it's address and phone number
could be where all the contacts go.

* For right now placers could put this group's email address in the
box as a contact. The person it was meant for could get the message
without a direct connection.

Do you see where I'm going with this? Now pick up the ball and run
with it. Let's hear your ideas.

It may not have to be as subtantial as a corporation, but I'm sure
there's some type of solution in between.

forester