James Kim's death does point out a basic misunderstanding that

[hedgehog]

many American's have about this land. People living in cities have no idea how much wild country remains, much of it surprisingly close to cities. You'd be amazed at the wild country within 200 miles of NYC. I won't say untouched, but it is essentially different from a city or suburban landscape. We need to understand this because it helps explain why so many in Western States want to see development while so many in cities want to see it all preserved. I'm not advocating development of wild lands or national forests; just pointing out where some of the disagreement comes from.

[catnhatnh]

1. You are absolutely right.

I live in a small city in southern NH and within 90 minutes I can be in the center of Boston or conversely on the Kankamagus Highway-a 40 mile passage thru the white Mountains with no gas stations, houses or other commercial developement. Needless to say, your choice of destination will be reflected in your choice of survival gear-heading to Boston, for instance, I pack extra credit cards....

[hedgehog]

2. There was tremendous opposition to building a cell phone tower

in the Adirondack State Park. It was supposed to look like a pine tree and people opposed referred to it as the Frankenpine. I think the opposition comes from the mythology or fantasy that the wilderness is wilderness as long as *I* am the only human around. Sooner or later, someone will need to make an emergency call.