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Mt Arapiles Campground Host program 20-Jan-2012 At 5:50:24 PM rockranga

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we were there from the 3rd ot the 7th and there was certainly things going on that shouldn't have been, the two main ones being a dog at Bushrangers Bluff and people camping in the non-camping area. The people in the non-camping area appeared to be a group by the fact three out of four tents were the same make and colour, arrived at the same time and dissapeared at the same time. It wasn't particuarly busy but i suspect they figured they'd try their luck and claim ignorance if a ranger had shown up. It's also possible that after doing a lap of the main camp ground they succumed to the alluring temptation of flat(er) ground and plenty of shade for the group. While i certainly don't approve (the should sleep funny and bake in the heat like the rest of us) i can understand why they chose to ignore the signs.

Much like Bones when I was walking through I couldnt see a sign and didn't make any comments (plus i havne't camped there in years and didn't really feel it was 'my place' to say anything) however i distinctly remember seeing them when i drove in. I reckon the signs are in the right spot for people coming into the park but not so much for people just walking through at random/various angles - i'd be surprised if they didn't see the signs when they drove in, but as a side note does anyone know/remember if any of the signs are facing inwards? This would probably make it easier and less confrontational for passers by to point out to campers (especially those still in the middle of setting up or just unloading tents from their cars) that they should choose a different spot. It's probably not a top priority given all the other things going on in the park but should govt funding become available for this sort of thing it's probably worth considering.

The host program sounds like an awesome idea and cudo's to Lee and anyone else who volunteers for the job. I know i couldn't do it (would probably throw a tantrum after kicking ignorant camper number 7 from the non-camping area) so thanks Lee, and all those involved, for taking this on!