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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 232
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Just spent 5 days in the Miter Basin area. Over New Army Pass, out Old Army Pass. On the way out I had three interesting experiences. The first was overtaking 3 slow-moving guys from Utah who had just done Langley. They had a great excuse for going slow - one was 83, another (who had had 2 heart attacks and 2 strokes) was 80. Man, I can only hope to live that long - and be able to do what they did.
The second involved meeting a really fast moving, light loaded guy heading to Circ Lake. He had just passed 5 horses and was quite upset about horses on the trail. Ban 'em, he said (repeatedly) - or at least make the riders carry shovels and remove horse crap from the trail.
Kinda got me thinking - since my 3rd interesting experience was the discovery that lots of wilderness travelers seem to need toilet training. Above Rock Creek the trail resembled an outdoor toilet. One case of a pile and TP literally on the trail. A discussion with Ranger Alison revealed that one of her weekly tasks is collecting unburied TP from around Rock Creek.
What the hell are these people thinking? And what can be done about it?
I don't mind the horse taffic, but what do the folks online think? Obviously some folks are emotional about it.
I'll much rather maneuver around horseshit than the human variety.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,190
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Posts: 1,190 |
I'll much rather maneuver around horseshit than the human variety. No sh... I mean no kidding.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 155
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Horse poop is largely "used grass," so their poops aren't that offensive. People poop on the other hand is the worst. Besides, people should know better. I wouldn't ban horses, but it's too bad we can't ban some people.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 33
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Both times on the trail to Cottonwood Lake, I've sped up to avoid the horses -- it's not pleasant being behind them! I didn't mind so much (having spent a lot of time in NM).
I've seen the ranger on the Whitney Trail picking up abandoned wag bags.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 32
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I agree - the lack of concern that some people show with regard to human waste is appalling. Lest you think the MT is any different, I was up there this last weekend and, just like your experience at Rock Creek, there was a human pile right in the middle of the MT shortly below Lone Pine Lake, complete with used TP.
I just think that some people selfishly do not and will not care.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
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Having spent most of my life picking up horse poop, I don't mind it...but people poop, disgusting.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 70
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Posts: 70 |
Two items:
I can't stand the horses on the trails---tears up the trails, leaves them dusty, rocks torn up from the soil, and horse poop everywhere. Anyone doing the JMT from Yosemite Valley to Red's Meadow understands what shape the trail is in---mostly from the dang horses on the trail. Nothing's worse than being on a hot, dusty trail as it is, and then having a group of 10 horses come through, leaving dust clouds for 10-15 minutes. Can't stand it! I'm guessing that the environmental impact from horses on the trail is at least 100X worse than human impact.
Second, people not cleaning up after themselves in the Whitney Basin (wag bags) is out of control. Institute bar codes on all Whitney permits--charge through the roof for not bringing them back and scanning them (used or unused.....).
My $.02.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 45
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Second, people not cleaning up after themselves in the Whitney Basin (wag bags) is out of control. Institute bar codes on all Whitney permits--charge through the roof for not bringing them back and scanning them (used or unused.....).
My $.02.
Not a solution! It is possible to take wag bags, bring them back unused to be scanned and poop on or around the trail. It might work if bringing back some poop is made a requirement.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 70
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Posts: 70 |
Any better ideas? It's at least better than the honor system that is not working all that great right now.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 33
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It might work if bringing back some poop is made a requirement. Too much pressure! My sphincter muscles are tightening up! Oh wait, I have an extra Clif bar. Will they fall for that?
Last edited by hwstock; 09/13/08 12:43 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8
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On Monday 9/8 some dumbxxxt left a "dukie" on the trail, about halfway up the switchbacks from trail camp..... was gross...
come on folks... sf
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 45
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I suggest dna samples as the solution. Get DNA samples from all permit holders. When poop is found, analyze for DNA ( research is needed to see if a sufficient quantity of DNA is deposited along with the poop). Depending on the age of the poop, look for matches in the DNA samples of likely permit holders. If one is found, issue a citation.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 91
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Yeah - RFID chip in the wag bag. If one is found on the trail and not in a receptacle, read the chip and send a bill (actually charge a credit card) for collection and disposal.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 33
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Posts: 33 |
Require people to swallow RFID chips the day before a hike.
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.........................................DUG