> If you read the posts in the Red Fish thread and the This is the Cause...
> thread I think they express the differing points of view.

Two thoughts on these threads:

1. Red Fish: Yes, this is off topic. But kayakers in general are people who enjoy nature, and therefore might have an interest. Besides, if not for Don's input, it would have been a very short thread with about 5 or 6 responses. Thanks to Don and the subsequent responses, it went on for a full screen.

2. This is the cause: I agree with the original post. This, be it kayak building in general or just reading this bulletin board, is the cause of great happiness. There is nothing off topic about this. It's just a nice, pleasant thought. Too bad it turned ugly.

After all, many of us have never met in person. All we know about each other is that we all enjoy kayaking. Since we all have other interests, some of that will enter into this from time to time. So let's try to be tolerant of other people's opinions.