http://www.ottertooth.com/che-mun/archive.htm




Barbara

Hmm... that really stinks. I can't hold any personal connection with the paddler or his memorial, but whether or not the "vandal" has some truthful point in his justification is up to debate.

Sadly the individuals are probably proud of being able to have done
this anonymously . At least if they had the courage to
post this on AA now it would be not anonymous!



The human race sadly has its share of cowards;

I am not marching in that procession but
will carry a banner to let other know they exist.

Author: Mark Twain



*Rac n*

The narcissim, presumption, and ignorance of this lone vigilante is heart wrentching. The Fraser memorial arrived some years after I first portaged past Rollway Rapids, a stretch of channelized chaos that I have always found a little too intimidating to run. So, when that cross appeared, it only confirmed the wisdom of my judgement. Although I agree with those who object to permanent tributes put up by grieving friends to people who simply loved some special piece of the Park, I have always felt that the few memorials to people who actually lost their lives here were welcome and sobering reminders of the risks inherent in the place. What next, vandalizing the crosses of loggers who died on the river?

Mark S.

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

And, thanks Barbara for posting that link. Not only for the sad news related to the Park, but also because I was not aware of that publication, and it looks like a wonderful resource.

Mark S.

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Well said, Mark.

I think the act is terrible, and I think the vandal took his belief a bit too far. What comes to mind is how trippers will "mark" their territory via carvings or other symbolisms in the park. Even driving down Madawaska Rd leading to Access Point 17, one can see spraypaint on the rocks at the sides of the road. Very different in their purposes, though -- perhaps this is just an extremist belief that all nature should be left devoid of human presence.

It occurs to me that a dimension of this issue might actually work to the advantage of the Park. Much like colleges and hospitals do, the Friends of Algonquin Park might establish a memorial wall somewhere where it will be discretely seen, perhaps at the visitors center, where people who donate to the Friends at a certain level might have a permanent tribute to a friend or loved-one engraved. Their gift would not only honor the person they loved in a place devoted to the beauty of the Park, they would also be supporting the good work of the Friends on behalf of the Park (perhaps the Friends could even afford to honor their commitment to regularly update and correct their canoe routes map ).

Mark S.

http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

Thank you Barbara for forwarding this information. I too was not aware of this publication. And Mark, I think yours is an excellent suggestion. The sad fact is that this is not likely the act of kids or vanadals. With the price of scrap metal at an all time high I suspect somebody saw an opportunity to make a few bucks. I have a greenhouse and a few months ago somebody cleaned me out of every single piece of copper piping and fittings in the greenhouse. It's a pretty sad state of affairs when somebody would dessicrate a memorial for profit. Shame on them! I hate to say it, but may they NOT rest in peace!

Michael

I notice in Che-Mun Archive (www.ottertooth.com/che-mun/last.htm) the following:

Winter 2009
EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK
The perp who illegally cut down Fraser's bronze cross was a Che-Mun reader

I don't know what else he said since I don't have that issue.