Jim here, wouldn’t want to blame Gayle for this one.
We all know of various forms of blight as it relates to plants and trees. One form that I have seen all too often is a type that focuses on the beautiful aspen tree.
I’m sure it is due to that lovely, smooth skin, so inviting for this form of blight. On a hike today through lots of aspens after seeing it again and again I took the following photo.
There you have it, idiot blight.
It is hard to figure out what possesses these nature lovers. Perhaps this is the only mark they will ever make in life but at least we know that they have come this way and aren’t we all the better for their having passed this way?
If human stupidity were an energy source we would never run out and it would cost 20 cents a gallon.
It is this kind of stuff that is the best argument for boondocking that I can think of.
Jim, I agree with you. However, I'm afraid you will also find them when boondocking. Even old Daniel Boone was known to mark up a tree or two in his time.
ReplyDeleteWe see it all the time. Just ridiculous! Wish we could look in a crystal ball and see what these people do for a living!
ReplyDeleteWhen the Indians did it hundreds of years ago, it is now protected "art". I do not like it either and do not participate in the defacing of natural items like many in out history have. Think Louis and Clark and others.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to catch one in the act and let 'em have it!...but then again, they'd have a weapon!
ReplyDeleteIs modern graffiti on smooth bark any different than the ancient petroglyphs that people make such a big deal of, these days? Shouldn't those indigenous tribes have been arrested by a paleolithic ranger for defacing nature?
ReplyDeleteI think the point of Jim's blog is that some have no clue they are killing trees and some simply don't care.
ReplyDeleteThe folks that do such things to the trees are related to those that feel free to toss their cigarette butts all over the place, smash beer bottles against the rocks, use the fire ring as their trash pit and leave wads of mono-filament fishing line and fish hooks along the shore.
ReplyDeleteI suppose some will argue that such trash will be of some great value to the future generations.
Ed
The replies have been interesting.
ReplyDeleteI find petroglyphs boring as art and having seen them a few times I don't go out of my way to see more of them.
Of course no rocks have died as a result of petroglyphs.
On the other hand, I find a lot of modern graffiti on buildings and railroad cars to be interesting.
I go out on the trails to enjoy the scenery, get exercise and get away from people and their debris. And while Daniel Boone and Lewis and Clark may have left their names here and there nothing can compare to the sheer numbers in this kind of senseless defacement.
In any event, it was just a rant that I have gotten out of my system for the moment. Luckily, I keep most of this stuff to myself as I don't delude myself into believing that anything I say or do makes a difference.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming which would be Gayle's travel writing career.
Jim
I've got to agree with you on this one Jim. I did a whole photography project on it in fact that just opened in Sacramento this weekend. The difference between scaring trees and picto/petroglyphs is that the Ancient One's did it largely as ceremonial and religious reasons (it is thought). Humans have always used signs and symbols to communicate - it's just what we do. But modern Man is in general so detached from Nature that we consider it our play thing instead of observing any sort of reverence. Perhaps it wasn't so bad when Daniel Boone did it, but nowadays, when people are everywhere, maybe a little more restraint is in order.
ReplyDeleteWhen we hit Colorado in the fall, we'll see where your at and try to connect - if you ever get there:).
I've got to agree with you on this one Jim. I did a whole photography project on it in fact that just opened in Sacramento this weekend. The difference between scaring trees and picto/petroglyphs is that the Ancient One's did it largely as ceremonial and religious reasons (it is thought). Humans have always used signs and symbols to communicate - it's just what we do. But modern Man is in general so detached from Nature that we consider it our play thing instead of observing any sort of reverence. Perhaps it wasn't so bad when Daniel Boone did it, but nowadays, when people are everywhere, maybe a little more restraint is in order.
ReplyDeleteWhen we hit Colorado in the fall, we'll see where your at and try to connect - if you ever get there:).
Did you see the news article that the NPS at the Grand Canyon has stopped selling water bottles because of all the empty ones just thrown all over the trails, making up over 20% of the parks trash?
ReplyDeleteEveryone wants to enjoy the great outdoors and these beautiful places then they dump their trash wherever they feel like it, damage trees and park equipment like picnic tables and signs.
What's wrong with people?
I'm happy for your rant Jim. It's an important one. Trees die as a result of this sort of idiot behavior. Wish there was a hidden camera so we could see. Are these adult idiots or teen idiots and what are they doing out on the trails if they don't love the nature they are walking through. I'm wondering why we are offering free education through high school if they don't learn that trees make the oxygen we need to breathe. RANT ON!!! I'm with you all the way.
ReplyDelete