High Sierra Topix

.

The current philosophy in Washington DC now is to make developed recreation pay for itself, hence the fees. The private concessionaires are squeezed in the middle, they have to comply with ever more stringent gov't contract requirements and regulations, and making a total year's revenue in 4-5 months, while keeping their rates reasonable. I know I would not want to go into that business and try to make a living.

This is why I try to avoid camping in National Parks anymore. They are increasingly overcrowded, overpriced, and over regulated.

Backpacking as a privilege or right? Lots of great places to go out there without paying high fees, probably without the crowds too. Economic considerations might be affecting many more of our decisions in the near future.

rightstar76 wrote: Now by this time next year, I guess the dollar will be worth a lot less, maybe 1 to 4. So that means that Europeans will make up all the visitors at the lodge and Delaware North Corporation will then raise rates to get the most out of the crisis.

End of rant

I don't quite understand what you're saying here. In the past few weeks, the dollar has gained against the Euro, so I don't get the 1 to 4 thing.

The USD has also gained steadily against the British Pound, Swiss Franc, Swedish Krona, and Canadian Dollar since this past spring.

That was until the market tanked. If it keeps going down, our currency will drop.

rightstar76 wrote:That was until the market tanked. If it keeps going down, our currency will drop.

Markets across the world are linked. If our market tanks, so will others. The USD is still seen as the "benchmark", and, as such, will get stronger vs. other currencies. That's what has happened over the last couple of weeks with the wild market swings.