tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592133360128194681.post4904319338391886516..comments2021-03-20T10:25:35.848-07:00Comments on WSR Mt Rainier NP: Longmire to Paradise RoadWSR Photographyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592133360128194681.post-25511678495360665392012-12-06T15:54:00.739-08:002012-12-06T15:54:00.739-08:00I suspect it has less to do with personnel costs t...I suspect it has less to do with personnel costs than equipment. Two snowplows are not cheap to run and maintain, so two days saves a lot on mileage and wear. And saves on assigning someone to be there except when necessary.<br /><br />The sad reality of politicians not respecting our national treasures (NP's, WR's, monuments, etc.) and federal employees to adequately fund them. WSR Photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592133360128194681.post-43110686880472938502012-12-06T15:42:29.436-08:002012-12-06T15:42:29.436-08:00I agree with you regarding the lack of funding/man...I agree with you regarding the lack of funding/manpower at the national parks these days. It's a shame it's come to this. I used to instruct snowshoeing/scrambling classes at Paradise in the 1980s/early 90s and we'd have to sometimes wait quite a while for the road to Paradise to open (they were clearing the road). Didn't look like fun.<br /><br />That only leaves Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays available to those of us who seek to escape the "madding" crowds.<br /><br />karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16419624724854069991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592133360128194681.post-23270845555709796162012-12-06T15:30:18.322-08:002012-12-06T15:30:18.322-08:00I agree that it should be open 7 days a week thro...I agree that it should be open 7 days a week through the winter, weather permitting. However, having spent a career in the USGS, sometimes you have to do with the money you have and if closing the road two days for a few visitors funds other things, then the decision becomes balancing funds with needs.<br /><br />Consider the work to check and clear the road, clear the parking lot, and then check the lot before closing. That's expensive considering the cost of machinery and people if they're part-time or seasonal staff, and cutting two days saves funds for the road budget.WSR Photographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02578476190552952347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6592133360128194681.post-43290918161716887912012-12-06T14:59:44.414-08:002012-12-06T14:59:44.414-08:00Personally, I wish they would keep Paradise open o...Personally, I wish they would keep Paradise open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - some of us prefer to visit Paradise when it's not so crowded. <br /><br />However, I understand that the powers-that-be at MRNP have good reasons to do so.<br /><br />Karen Sykeskarenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16419624724854069991noreply@blogger.com