[polarbear]

I think a big factor of what one considers wilderness is one's experience and familiarity with an area. On my hike to Lake Melawkwa when I was little, it was wilderness. It takes awhile to become familiar with a place. Then it begins to seem smaller and smaller--"Oh, I'm just over the ridge from Lake-X." Then you begin thinking that it's not really wilderness at all, but to someone your same age who has never hiked, it is wilderness! The North Cascades is more wild to me because I've hiked less there. I'm sure I think alot of these places are more wild than some of the real experienced travelers on this board do. Even if you think of the world itself, it begins to seem smaller as you get more familiar with different countries, cultures, etc. Outerspace on the other hand...now that is *big* and *wild*!

[polarbear]

A couple other factors maybe are one's ability and one's level of security. Someone that does a 30 mile day is going to have a different idea of what constitutes wilderness than a someone who does a 10 mile day. If you've hiked 15 miles and can make it back to your car the same day, you may not think you are in wilderness yet. On the other hand, if your 2 miles up a mountainside with a broken leg it may feel like wilderness no matter what your ability is...

[MtnGoat]

"allow seasonal motorized passage to Dingford between 4/15 to 11/1." If they'd just do this for the whole road, it's something I could live with.

[Dante]

If they posted a sign soliciting input, the sign probably identified the person or office to whom we should direct such input. That's what I want to know. If Doug's lurking--or if anyone else knows where to direct comments regarding these proposals--would you please post that information? I'll probably call the ranger station myself this week.

[Damian]

Dante- the period for public comment has not yet started but you may contact Doug Schrenk, North Bend Ranger District, 42404 SE North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045, 425/888-1421 or 425/744-3563.

[Backpacker Joe]

Thanks Damian. I'll call the guy tomarrow. I'll give input alright. I would be in for an open period as long as that included the *entire* road.