and as we move along the road we are offered through birth, we do what we can. Simply being alive pollutes as we define polltion. The fact is that we "must" live and as humans we "must" explore. If we have inherent destructive tendancies then so be it. A tree exists andwe find ways to use it to our advantage. There are so many people alive today that trying to conserve almost means nothing. We must all live and we must live as we have been taught to do. I don't believe wooden boat owners are causing the destruction of forests. The forests were doomed the day man learned how to make an axe. If anyone has the responsibility to conserve the forests it lays on the conscience of anyone who wastes wood when it could be reused. When I rebuilt my house I recycled all wood that I was able to recover from the demolitions I engaged in. I recycled an old oak floor from a house that was demolished and installed it in my living room. Rather than toss away wood scraps I use them in my fire pit to enjoy pleasant summer evenings toasting marshmallows with my kids. Look around you, there are conservationists using toilet paper instead of their left hands and a water pot. Can't stand sticking your hand on your dirty backside? Harumph! Don't talk to me, talk to the hand.

I'm gonna have a Guiness on the first night of my river trip while I sit by a fire enjoying the look of my wooden boat as it sits on the shore waiting for the new days adventure. While I have it, I'll be sure to enjoy it. When conservationists start truely conserving I'll take a second look their way.

I do plan on planting a new apple tree this year. When the one I have in my yard finally gets too old to live, I'll cut it up and build a new yak.

Robert N Pruden