Pteropus wrote:johnw wrote:...as you know RNP is also close to me geographically and emotionally. I have also experienced in recent times the very same issues of concern that you raise. ...
John, yes, I'm waiting to hear about the Nasho! I haven't been back for quite some time.
Ah the Nasho! Reminds me of a now ageing (like me) female cousin as a teenager who would always say she was "going to the Nasho for a pasho". My recent visits haven't been too frequent, mainly over last winter. Probably do the same this year and visit autumn/winter/spring when it gets quieter and/or favour the more remote inland tracks/routes. Been too hot for me this summer and as noted in discussion it's getting more crowded than ever in the popular spots along the coast track where I'd normally park. Often hear weekend radio traffic reports that Wattamolla etc are full and closed to traffic. Crowds are not my idea of fun and much of the Coast Track has now been dumbed own with extensive raised walkway. Last time I walked a circuit from Wattamolla via Marley Trail and Lagoon I think it took me roughly 75 minutes to cover about 10 km. That was not rushing either and included some off track exploration.
We all have some impact on the environment. My observation is that there are quite different groups who are taking photos and posting them on whatever platform. That includes me, but I pretty much only post them on here, and I rarely appear in them. I have absolutely no interest in other social media such as Facebook etc. For those who are using popular social media platform there are those with a genuine interest and appreciation of the places they visit and are simply sharing and who may also seek to promote the need to protect them, like Zapruda. Then there is the "look at me" Darwin Award nominee group, who I perceive to have little or no interest in the environment or its preservation. I think they may actually see the walking component as an impediment or hindrance to their actual goal, which often involves some sort of irresponsible risk taking - e.g. Wedding Cake Rock and to a lesser degree Figure Eight Pools. Some time ago I posted here of my experience of observing those going to the latter, but for different reasons. I believe it symptomatic of an overall type of behaviour that hasn't invaded our natural areas until recently. I don't know what the solution is but I don't believe putting up more fences and other monstrosities or restricting access (those things will be ignored anyway), is the answer. One observation is that those involved are frequently not locals but often overseas tourists, backpackers etc.