StraightAhead

There’s this place along the “Big Island Slough” pronounced slew, in my town where I love to hike and take bike rides. It’s really pretty, but it is owned by the plants and the Exxon pipeline company which has rights of way along the slough which is really just a drainage or flood control ditch. I hike there pretty often but the signs before you enter their territory can be daunting. They say posted, no tresspassing, there could be a fine of up to 4000$ or jail time or both. There is one sign that says they will prosecute to the full extent of the law. I always go on and hike anyway. There aren’t too many places to hike or ride around here where you can get away from traffic and actually see some wildlife, deer mostly. There are usually coastal water foul to be seen too. I’ve seen lots of racoon tracks and plenty of snakes back there. The full length of the walk or ride can be 8 miles round trip. I’ve talked to cops about this area and they usually say that the signs are really for motorized vehicles, because in the past people in trucks etc. have really torn the place up a lot and many times people have been injured back in there and had to be hauled out. I guess this is true because nobody has ever said anything to me when i’ve been hiking and encountered people from the plants doing work. I really wish they would change the signs to read walking or biking is ok but no motorized vehicles. I would not have the feeling that somebody was going to swoop in and haul me away when i’m in there. Of course, I haven’t let it stop me so far. I say to the big oil companies, FREE THE LAND!! :O)