[MR] courtesy to ladies...and others

[Rupert Gaddy]

I assume you are referring to a specific event at Camp York in particular.
This past weekend at Sacred Stone's Birthday?  I was going to suffer in
silence, but since you opened the can of worms.......

My lady and I had a very difficult time getting all the stuff down to the
cabins and back up the hills since we also have to pack for two smalls. We
had one of the cabins the farthest away, (not complaining, we had late
reservations) and the trips, even with a handcart just wore us out to the
point that we will probably daytrip any event at York from now on!

However, seeing our struggle at least 4 gentles asked if we needed help.
Including Sir Richard, who helped me fight a particularly nasty load up the
ravine they call a road.

After this weekend, I will add to Logan's suggestions....ask again
later....people tend to refuse help if they think they can do it, but after
a few trips they begin to question the wisdom of turning down that offer
earlier, but hesitant to ask for help they have previous refused.  I know in
one case, I offered assistance and was politely refused, but a half hour
later, seeing the lady still moving things down the hill, I thought I should
ask again and got the reply OH YES, PLEASE!

Indeed, lets tell it like it is.....Camp York is the "site from hell" when
it comes to moving stuff to and from the cabins. The distance, and the fact
that the terrain is like the moon with craters and rocks, gulleys, and man
made ditches across the "roads" to turn the water, plus the inherent
slippery red clay, especially after any moisture falls, make this site one
of the worst and most treacherous for even walking.  I noticed several
people on canes and one on crutches before the event and wondered how in the
world they were going to survive the site. I know at least one member of my
household NEVER goes to camp York as it is just too hard on him. I know that
my own handicaps were seriously aggravated by the site itself, and I am
truly paying for it this week... if I am going to suffer from an event,
please let it be from fighting or doing something, not just moving in and
out!

On this site and similar ones, what a wonderful opportunity for
SERVICE....some gentles who will be at troll to help those who need help
loading in and loading out.  Maybe we should start a PORTER'S GUILD! Their
efforts would certainly be worthy of reward! If I get some big strong folks
in my household, they will certainly be encouraged to volunteer! (hint to
autocrats....offer the chance to volunteer) Shoot, someone could even do it
as a fundraiser, I would part with hard cash for such a service!

I also wonder how things would change if those good gentles with the pointy
hats and/or those in the best physical shape and/or those with 20 people at
the event in their household to carry things start INSISTING on taking the
farther out cabin spaces rather than the ones close to the hall and field as
an example of chivalry and courtesy. (Hey I am condemning myself here too,
when I have had most of my household at an event, the thought never crossed
my mind)

My addition to the can of worms....

Ld Rupert