Perhaps I'm just too old or maybe just witnessing the death of America and the American spirit.
Camping used to mean spending time in the woods. My family has done it since 1979. The tradition did perhaps grow into something unmanageable with a 14,000 RV and four ATVs all of which are now just about useless. Maine it seems has banned most of the ATV riding trails.
As I age though I still wonder if there are health benefits in drinking mountain stream water, and yes I never sterilized it, my whole family drank it for 28 years and never got sick. Problem is once you come home the tap water tastes like something out of my toxic waste stream at the lab. There are really noticable air quality issues too and perhaps being in the protection of mountains in another area could be a good thing.
http://www.rense.com/...
Actually I can testify to the change in the entire "outdoor" industry. Camping gear used to be rugged. To ride a bike all you needed was a bicycle and not a spandex suit, a special helmet, gloves and special shoes. Modern tents do not survive Maine thunderstorms without leaking. The industry has become "yuppified" in my opinion. Of course there is still "high adventure" stuff like any other thing though it comes at a price.
It seemed slow this year. The Burger King's on the Maine Pike had no lines. No toll booth traffic jams. Familes seemed to have much older parents. Gas is outrageous. Even on this wonderful July 4th vacation week.
I did not see fireworks. I don't seem to have the desire anymore. Celebrate our Freedom?
If I'm in the woods enjoying nature with my family can I shoot the bear if we get attacked? Can I carry a gun in case we get attacked? Does the gun need to have a lock on it? Do I need a permit?
Is it my fault for having the desire to be in the woods in the first place?
Yes, you are free. Free to work. Free to watch MSM TV. Free to buy shit. Free to apply for permits to do this or that.
Oh, and I guess the local rodeo was cancelled this year. A small profit margin/lack of interest and problems with the PITA people have been cited as reasons. So much for the great American spirit. Last year most of them were riding English anyway.