Okay, so if the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation is recognized once and for all, and can build its casino, will it be near enough the Trail so that hikers can use its restrooms for sponge baths?
It seems, according to a recent article in the Kent Dispatch ("All dressed up and no place to 'go'," by Bob Deakin, 2 July 2004) that the other tourists in Kent, CT are having trouble with the fact that there are no oublic restrooms in Kent.
According to the article, "Visitors can seek relief at Patco, but many find the portable toilet it provides outside to be cold comfort, especially in winter. Patco used to have indoor restrooms, but the management discovered that customers abused them so badly they eventually contracted for the portable toilet. A former employee said it appeared people, possibly hikers off the Appalachian Trail, were taking sponge baths using the sinks."
As if that weren't enough, though, "Not everyone supports having public restrooms. Opponents argue that temporary/portable restrooms are unattractive both to the eyes and nose and require constant maintenance. Some are also concerned that a visitor's center would become a hangout for hikers, deterring shoppers."
Well, darn! Either us hikers have to shop more (by the way, if there were any good AYCE buffets in Kent, they might get more hiker dollars!). or the residents and their other guests have to get used to the hiker aroma that we used to leave in the Patco sink.
Seriously, though, we all know that sink baths rarely are good public relations events. And with the Trail Corridor negotiations getting more complicated (according to Kathryn Boughton's article today in the Litchfield (CT) County Times titled "Claims On Land In Kent Become More Complex") we need to tread lightly passing through the Nutmeg State.
Hey, what about a "Leave No Trace" ethic applied to towns?? Just a thought. It would make the restroom people in Kent happy, at least.
Friday, July 02, 2004
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