Signs of the Times
Since the formation of Parks Victoria by the Kennett government
there has been a growing trend in "improving" our parks
for the "safety" and "comfort" of
(international) tourists at the cost of a true outdoor
experience. There is a fine line between such measures and the
preservation of the natural experience and in my opinion this line
is being crossed on many occasions by parks management.
Perhaps the most obvious is the proliferation of warning signs... so
in the interests of public safety I have made up my own warning
notice summarising any signs you might see in your travels.
Warning!!!
You are about to enter the real world.
Shit happens!!!
- Wet rocks are slippery. When you slip and fall it will
hurt and you may also get wet.
- Branches fall from gum trees, particularly on stormy
days. If they hit you on the head it will hurt.
- Gorges, by definition, have very steep sides often
forming vertical cliffs. If you walk over the edge of a
cliff it will hurt.
- Snow can fall at ANY time of the year in alpine
areas. Snow is very cold.
- Ocean waves are unpredictable. It is very hard to stay
standing when you're being hit by a tonne of water moving
at speed.
- Wildlife can be... well, wild.
- There are no street signs on every tree. If you don't
know where you're going you can get lost.
Be prepared, and get over it when it happens. Your safety
is in your hands. |
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