betsytom
07-06-2009, 02:59 PM
We left New Hampshire a day early-couldn't stand the rain any longer, and decided to stay a day at Sebago Lake State Park in Maine.
What we noticed is disturbing, very disturbing.
Geographically the campers beach and the day area beach at this fantiastic park are separated by a mere 50 yards or so and a sliver of land/rock-you can't see one from the other.
Shouldn't be any difference at all, same park, same lake, same geographic area-should be the same people.
At the campers side its business as usual; from the adults the greetings and smiles are nearly instant and sincere, the conversation easy and interesting, regardless if you are in a big dollar coach or a trailer that can tell thousands of tales. The kids of course are the kids they arrive at the water at nearly the exact same time and in the matter of a few seconds become one group that generally get along in a remarkable manner.
But step around the point and things change fast. With the exception of three 'groups' it was an incredible experience-you could see, hear and feel the difference. Kids played with the ones they came with and the adults, nearly without exception, avoided all eye contact, and any one walking the water line was viewed as an intruder-of this there was NO doubt.
But, as usual there were exceptions, but sadly only three; the kids/staff from a Town rec group reminded us of the 'other' side as did the folks from an assisted living home and a wonderful black family gathering.
Are 'we' really that much different from the rest???
What we noticed is disturbing, very disturbing.
Geographically the campers beach and the day area beach at this fantiastic park are separated by a mere 50 yards or so and a sliver of land/rock-you can't see one from the other.
Shouldn't be any difference at all, same park, same lake, same geographic area-should be the same people.
At the campers side its business as usual; from the adults the greetings and smiles are nearly instant and sincere, the conversation easy and interesting, regardless if you are in a big dollar coach or a trailer that can tell thousands of tales. The kids of course are the kids they arrive at the water at nearly the exact same time and in the matter of a few seconds become one group that generally get along in a remarkable manner.
But step around the point and things change fast. With the exception of three 'groups' it was an incredible experience-you could see, hear and feel the difference. Kids played with the ones they came with and the adults, nearly without exception, avoided all eye contact, and any one walking the water line was viewed as an intruder-of this there was NO doubt.
But, as usual there were exceptions, but sadly only three; the kids/staff from a Town rec group reminded us of the 'other' side as did the folks from an assisted living home and a wonderful black family gathering.
Are 'we' really that much different from the rest???