Flashflood
Posted by David A. Wright on August 20, 2004 at 19:40:14:
In Reply to: Re: About all of those supposed warnings and barriers posted by Rob Nelson on August 20, 2004 at 16:36:37:
Rob states: The State/Park puts itself in a position of trust, and we generally trust that they will take care of the tourists (like me).
Public servants/volunteers are people whom are expected to serve with a smile, yet get all manner of crap shoveled upon them - by those they work for, and John Q. Public.
Like all businesses and governments nowdays, employee numbers have been drastically reduced. Each employee must now do the work that five or more used to a decade ago. That means that each employee must multi-task to the point where corners are cut, comprimises made, and what is called "acceptible risk" is committed more frequently.
And in the case of DVNP, there are numerous layers of beaurocracy along with overlapping local, State (both Nevada and California) and Federal agencies.
I've heard countless times that John Q. Public was told by DVNP rangers or other park workers (this also applies to all public lands and facilities, and agencies that govern them) that perfectly accessible places are inaccessible or closed. This made Mr. Public very angry and feeling like the government is our enemy when they found out that they found out otherwise. Likely the advice given to Mr. Public is due to the park employee that gave the advice not wanting the liability for the visitor potentially getting himself in trouble and peril. And maybe the employee was told by his/her boss to tell visitors percieved as likely greenhorns that they can't go there. Or maybe at the time they actually didn't know and erred on the side of caution or ignorance; because the information didn't trickle down through those layers of beaurocracy to the bottom man on the ladder - the one that is facing the public minute by minute.
On the other hand, and I heard this countless times also, when John Q. Public gets into trouble - whether his fault or not - Mr. Public generally wants revenge and someone to pay for pain and suffering. This is human nature. And the park employee behind the desk at the visitor center is the one that gets blasted by John Q. Public.
This is very frustrating for the employee/volunteer (especially the volunteer), as he/she is simply trying to have a good day and then go home like anyone else desires.
This whole discussion makes me think of the chronic speeder getting a ticket: The cop that pulls him over is the hated enemy. When Mr. Speeder's odds finally catch up with him and he runs off the road, destroys his car and is badly injured; then Mr. Speeder is screaming for justice and revenge because the cop didn't protect Mr. Speeder from himself.
It all boils down to taking responsibility for our own actions. And going on with our lives, happy that we're still alive. And I'm sure that in the future you'll really enjoy recounting your Death Valley flashflood experience to your grandchild on your knee, your friends at a BBQ and at other times.
And the next time you come to Death Valley, come back to the site where you had your experience, sit and meditate, and be glad you're still alive and healthy.
In my hand is a frosty glass of Mammoth Kick Ass Ale. I raise it in a toast to your luck and skill in getting yourself out of your peril. Take care and come see us again!