08-07-2021, 03:53 PM
(08-07-2021, 02:58 PM)lovetofish Wrote: I was going to ask you where you parked until I saw your picture of the ramp. Did anyone say anything to you for parking there. When I was up there 3 weeks ago I just pulled off to the side on the dirt and parked there. When I was leaving a park worker gave me a warning that the rangers will give ticket for where I parked. But after looking up the STEEP ramp and the distance to walk I decided to park where I did.
I was hoping I would be okay...since they are being lax at Echo and other lakes (not Deer Creek) where low water makes for a long hike back to the car if you park in the parking spaces up top. But I displayed my senior park pass and my disability sticker on my dashboard and the ranger that drove down in the golf cart just took a look and drove back up. No hassle. And since I am not likely to go back this year I got away with one.
On the flip side, at Deer Creek about 3 weeks ago, I parked in a "boat trailer parking" spot right at the top of the ramp at the island launch. I've been parking there for years with no problems. But my last trip I had a note on my window to check in at the gate on the way out. The very hostile lady in the booth wanted me to pay a $20 fine for parking where I did. I explained my advanced age and infirmities...and that I paid the same amount that boats do to launch. But I couldn't confuse her with logic...her mind was made up. So I just left...without paying.
They have been a lot less demanding at Echo. In fact, since the ramp has been rendered useless by low water, the shoreline looks like a parking lot most days. That might change when they complete the new ramp and other amenities for the day use areas next year.