I agree with FanaticFringer -- straps aren't ropes, chains, or wires; thus, no violation. Don't let any bureaucrat rewrite the rules on you on the spot should one try.
FarStar
I agree with FanaticFringer -- straps aren't ropes, chains, or wires; thus, no violation. Don't let any bureaucrat rewrite the rules on you on the spot should one try.
FarStar
You could also point out the damage done to the ground by tents. Probably wouldn't help but you might get them distracted enough to go away and start outlawing tents...lol
John
Pave paradise and put up a parking lot. Call that a campsite.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
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Just a word of warning: that bureaucrat may well have the power to arrest you or evict you from the park. That'll ruin a trip a lot more than going to ground. I would suggest being diplomatic and courteous during the encounter with said bureaucrat, and later, when you're back in the safety and comfort of home, take the issue up with the bureaucrat's superiors if you think you must.Originally Posted by FarStar
I know a lot of law enforcement, and despite a few who are overaggressive and drunk with power, the vast majority are reasonable men and women who, like anyone else, prefer to be treated with respect and react accordingly. I wouldn't start an argument with a cop on the street, or a ranger in the woods, over the proper interpretation of the law; I'd be on their turf, so to speak, and I'm pretty sure they can win the argument by arresting me if they feel they have to.
Just my opinion...
Even in the evil Smokies, where hikers are treated as inmates, the rangers and ridge runners were willing to look the other way with me. On three occasions I was “caught” setting-up my hammock outside the shelter; always close by.
After casually discussing the reasons for shelter rules (lower impact) all three of them told me to ‘go ahead’ because they saw the merit of the LNT code and hammocks. In none of these cases were the shelters even close to full.
Nails hit it right on the head (of the nail), be courteous and they (LEOs) are much more likely to listen, instead of just order.
Trust nobody!
I used to work with Conservation Officers in Indiana and they have more jurisdiction than a police officer. In addition, they are truly tough guys. Facing people with guns in the woods daily requires not only nerves of steel, but also good judgement about who the bad guys are. If you display an attitude of cooperation and respect, most likely you will get that in return. The last thing in the world they want is a confrontation, they see too much of that as it is, they are not going to try to create it.Even in the evil Smokies, where hikers are treated as inmates, the rangers and ridge runners were willing to look the other way with me. On three occasions I was “caught” setting-up my hammock outside the shelter; always close by.
After casually discussing the reasons for shelter rules (lower impact) all three of them told me to ‘go ahead’ because they saw the merit of the LNT code and hammocks. In none of these cases were the shelters even close to full.
Nails hit it right on the head (of the nail
While there are exceptions, my experience has been very positive in dealing with LEO's. I am proactive with them, show them my permits, PFD if necessary, etc. knowing what they are looking for. They smile and understand I am one of the good guys, and they go off looking for the rogues trashing out the forest and the river.
My $.02
“Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”
― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Here's the trip report:
Friday night: I got in around 10:30pm. The campground was pretty empty and it was raining hard. I set up my tarp, then set up my hammock. I slept pretty well and was quite dry.
Saturday morning: I broke camp early and never saw anyone.
Saturday afternoon: I came back and set up camp. I had some time to kill and wanted to dry out my tarp.
A ranger came by around 5pm. He said the tarp would have to come down (he could not see my hammock in the tarp).
I told him that the tarp/hammock were my only shelter. I also told him that I was using big straps to prevent hunting the trees.
The ranger was not happy but let me slide because it was getting late and the park was pretty empty. I'm pretty sure he would have made me take it down in the peak of the season.
So to summarize, I wouldn't plan on hanging in Indiana State parks, especially Chain of Lakes State Park.
If you really want to hang, just set up you hammock after dark...
Oh well. There's nothing to see in Indiana anyway, is there?
Indiana wants me.
Lord, I can't go back there...
LMAO...I just heard that song the other day (R. Dean Taylor)!Oh well. There's nothing to see in Indiana anyway, is there?
Indiana wants me.
Lord, I can't go back there...
As an Indiana resident, I would disagree with there is nothing to see. Plenty of great camping and hanging in the central to southern parts of the state (I never go north so I'm not sure up there. Then again, I don't camp/hang in the State Parks so maybe that's why I never seem to have a problem.
C'mon down Nails...Mule and I can take you on some GREAT hiking and hanging spots. Then, we might even venture up north and let you educate us on PA!
Last edited by animalcontrol; 09-17-2008 at 13:40.
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Well, I'm glad the Hoosier state, as represented by one hammock-hanger, received my little joke so well. Next time I get out that way, I'll let ya'll know. I appreciate the offer and the sense of humor. But I don't wanna hijack this thread, so I'll go...LMAO...I just heard that song the other day (R. Dean Taylor)!
As an Indiana resident, I would disagree with there is nothing to see. Plenty of great camping and hanging in the central to southern parts of the state (I never go north so I'm not sure up there. Then again, I don't camp/hang in the State Parks so maybe that's why I never seem to have a problem.
C'mon down Nails...Mule and I can take you on some GREAT hiking and hanging spots. Then, we might even venture up north and let you educate us on PA!
OK, one more at Indiana's expense: Do you guys have to reserve the state's two trees to avoid hanging between stalks of corn?
Thanks. I'm here all week. Try the veal. [crickets chirping; audience member throws beer bottle]
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