Galen Hekhuis wrote:
On 5 Mar 2005 16:29:48 -0800, "Tinkerntom" wrote:

I have been camping for 40 years, and sat around many campfires,
where
many strange topics have been discussed. Sometimes they even talked
about the days fishing or hiking, biking or skiing. If the topic was
not of my interest, I could always grab another adult beverage, set
back, and contemplate the sparks rising over the campfire. Usually
the
chatter would lull me into a luxurious state of
semi-subconsciousness,
which convinced me that a hard day of exercise followed by the
campfire, is better than any day at WORK!

If the above did not occur, I could always retire to my tent and let
the darkness embrace me in slumber. I usually did not last long
listening from my tent.

If the OT chatter, disturbs your sleep, I apologize! I find this is
some of the best part of the day, and talking to fellow paddlers,
even
OT, is very stimulating. So maybe, next time you should pitch your
tent a little further from the campfire IMHO! TnT

But how does one determine whether the tent should be pitched farther
away
or that the party around the campfire has just gotten too rowdy?
What if
they start chanting religious stuff real loud and you can't get to
sleep
even if you pitch your tent a hundred yards away?

Not to disagree with your analogy, just being an ass. Personally,
I'd have
said that if you don't like what's going on, contribute(help change
it) or
leave, but don't just whine about it.

Galen Hekhuis NpD, JFR, GWA

Illiterate? Write for FREE help

Well if it has just gotten too rowdy, we'll be more than willing to
tone it down, If you ask us real nice! Like I have been doing between
K&r, and they seem to be listening. A couple of the rest of us have
been having a discussion on the side, and I have not heard any yelling
or chanting so far!

I would point out that the OT posting in this group, and in the two
threads have been going on for quite awhile, so the post count has
gotten high, but it is mainly restricted to these two threads. I have
checked out other groups where every thread goes OT shortly after the
original post. I am happy to see that most threads here stay on topic.

Even the current thread regarding the accident in Florida, has slipped
off the original topic, but is certainly within the normal topics of
the group.

I have found that paddlers have a perspective of many issues that you
do not find in the other groups. It may have to do with setting too
close to the water, and having to keep your eyes on the current, the
wind, the weather, the shore, the goal, and having all the gear on
board, and knowing you will get along ok because you forgot something,
and still having a great time getting there.

Some have even said that we are all sick when there are so many other
ways to get there, and we say paddling is the only way to get there.
Now I don't have the foggiest idea why someone may suggest that is
sick, I just know I enjoy the campfire. TnT