My Moral Dilemma

[Francesca_Knowl]

O.K., here's the thing:

The very last stop on our weeks-long fall trip was a Federal Campground that shall remain nameless for reasons that will shortly become clear.

The date: September 30th, 2013

Went ahead and paid for a couple of days- good fishing, good times,no radio reception- not that it would have mattered since we hadn't turned one on for weeks. Or looked at a newspaper. You see where I'm going here, right?

Day three we decide to extend the stay, walk down to the pay station and see that the WHOLE DARN CAMPGROUND had been closed, not to mention most of the Federal Government (as if I give a hoot about that second part.)

Thing is, it had "closed" the day before and no one came by to kick us out-?

Naturally, in keeping with our usual pattern, we decided to just pretend nothing had happened, stay as long as we wanted, Devil-Take-The-Hindmost. And did, too. For three more days. Nobody said a word, probably because we were careful not to violate the "NO MONEY FOR YOU, Federal Government!" law Congress passed. We did NOT, I swear, put a dime in that box from that moment until we left October 5th. Who are we to argue with the U.S. Congress?

Here's where the dilemma comes in:

Must we turn ourselves in for having flaunted Congress' mandate when we put that six bucks in the paybox for October 1???

We don't want to go to prison, but I just can't sleep at night for the guilt...what think you all?

😉

[time2roll]

Why did you leave? Otherwise donate to the National Parks Foundation and live guilt free.

[BobsYourUncle]

If you want, you can send me 6 bucks and I'll write a letter to Uncle Sam for you!:B

But there will be nobody there to read it............

[Francesca_Knowl]

D & M wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
We don't want to go to prison, but I just can't sleep at night for the guilt...what think you all? 😉

I think you are pulling our leg.

You're exactly right- I am! :B

Well, about the sleepless nights part, anyhow.

Onward through the fog!

[appd221]

fickman wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
O.K., here's the thing:

I can neither confirm nor deny that the very last stop on our weeks-long fall trip was a Federal Campground that shall remain nameless for reasons that will shortly become clear.

Fixed it for you. 🙂

🙂 LOL nice...

[appd221]

Really? Ok I'm going to assume that there are things that have come up way worse than this. Please don't feel like the US Gov actually gives a rats. They don't . I feel bad you paid the six bucks. I hope your sleeping better knowing this RV community has your back..

[rvten]

Just tell them you got lost. Just found your way out.
Your radio did not work do you had no idea what was going on.

[fickman]

Francesca Knowles wrote:
O.K., here's the thing:

I can neither confirm nor deny that the very last stop on our weeks-long fall trip was a Federal Campground that shall remain nameless for reasons that will shortly become clear.

Fixed it for you. 🙂

[ReneeG]

I'll be serious here for a minute and say that It is a moral dilemma. Had you paid, they would've figured that it was past the date the sign was posted that the CG was closed. Who knows what would've happened. I've read some pretty crazy stuff lately on what police are doing to enforce federal areas that are closed. Yet, the host knew you were there and didn't let you know, or worse yet, the federal employee posting the sign didn't do their due diligence and check the campground. What's done is done, just leave it and move on. As one said here, there are bigger things for them to worry about.

[rexlion]

Don't worry, the big NSA facility had a fire so no one saw you trespassing on your own (public) property without a permit. You're safely under the radar.

Now send me six bucks, or I'll turn you in. 😉 j/k

[D___M]

Francesca Knowles wrote:
We don't want to go to prison, but I just can't sleep at night for the guilt...what think you all? 😉

I think you are pulling our leg.

[Francesca_Knowl]

:S

Did I remember to tell y'all that "Francesca Knowles/Port Hadlock" is my nom-de-net, not my realtrue name?

Just forget about all those times I told you otherwise...I was just funnin'...really...honest to Pete...

I'm doomed, aren't I?

[answerswillvary]

Sandi...National Parks and Attractions Moderator
:S

[path1]

You should of never posted. The NSA watching all of us, will surely forward your actions to proper law enforcement. That is why they want your license plate on the check in form.
In the mean time you should go back and enjoy even more camping and don't even think about solitary confinement. :):B

[PapPappy]

I think you should contact your local Congressman, and send him a bill for the $6. After all, you were not expected to pay, and you did....so, you should have a refund coming!
If your Congressman doesn't return you calls, just assume that he's busy right now.....trying to avoid the Press.

You may just want to put a comment on your 2013 Income Tax Return, as this appears to have become a "donation"....that is of course, if the IRS is even working next April?:S

At least you had a great time....that is more than a lot of folks can say, who apparently had more astute Rangers, who actually cleared people out of the CG before they closed the place down.

Happy Camping:)

[2edgesword]

I am sure you were caught on camera by a drone. You might as well turn yourself in :).