RRC Archives

Given the wide variety of responses to Shannon's post about the signs which were spray painted on the trees on the way to Oil Crack and the Arena, I'm curious to learn how people feel about signs from a strict numbers perspective. Hence this little poll.

Please note that I fully supported the removal of the spray painted signs and do not in anyway support any unauthorized or even (landowner) authorized signs to help people find their way to any crag. My vote is for no signs whatsoever. Ever. I have had some great times getting lost in the southern region and still managed to find the crags. I like the adventure of it all, and hate to see the area dumbed down. I also believe very strongly in adhering to accepted ethics. Each area has their own, and ours does not allow for signs.

It was suggested to me that even though the accepted ethic does not allow for signs, I might be surprised at the number of people who do support them. This poll is not intended to try to change the limits of what is acceptable or to justify what was already done (and undone) - I am simply curious. Well that, and someone (not from the RRGCC) asked me to put up this poll.

If I missed any options, please let me know and I will add them.

Keeping people from bushwacking and having gazillions of side trails pop up is generally a good thing if you want to minimize impact. Yosemite has a nice way of marking trails for climbers. Nothing more than a brown piece of 4x4 that sticks out of the ground about 2 feet. The only marking is a white carabiner symbol. Just enough.

I vote for nicely constructed, free standing signs on the roadsides at key intersections. This is my vote BUT as I think about the implications, I fear this might invite the thieves back to the southern area. Might help direct them to our cars. Other than the thieves, I can't see how small signs could hurt.

rhunt, I had the same thoughts. I like that I can park my car back there and not worry about low lifes ripping me off. (Yet?)

I do also really enjoy getting lost. It's such a nice change from the predictable, and eventually you always get somewhere.

Lynne, It was fun the first time I tryed to find pocket wall, we drove and wondered around for a while before we found the wall, then it was like WOW that was worth it

I wonder, if the break in's start to happen as bad as they were 3 or 4 years ago and we own most of the land, will there be a more affective way to deal with that?

But as far as signs go, they wouldn't bother me, I can take them or leave them.

I like Legions idea. Sounds unobtrusive,common on trails everywhere and functional.

I think the jackass who painted the trees ought to be shot.What happened to the death squad option? It should be open season on flatlanders who dare enter MY DOMAIN !!!!

There are really no areas in the Bing Sinking Region that would even invite bushwacking. At least not any developed areas.
They are close to the "road", or right off a very well defined trail already.
Not hard to miss.

The 2x4's with a carabiner symbol is a good idea to limit the number of side trails since people may tend to try and cut through in too many places where the road happens to be close.

I think that too many signs will invite too many 'tourists' to the climbs. "Wow, let's go watch the rock climbers!" I also enjoy finding a crag for the first time... heck, I'd still be wandering around if I didn't run into Ray when searching for the Arena after I forgot the directions!

Once you've been to a crag, you should remember how to get back. If you haven't been there, get directions. Or wander around. Just be sure to Tread Lightly.