Monday, June 6, 2011

Heed Warning - No Alcohol Allowed in State Parks.

Our weekend in Rocky Gap State Park was a great weekend with old and new friends, camp fires, delicious food, (My first banana boat experience will never be forgotten!), and cocktails!! And it was this last item that got us in a little bit of trouble.

"Trouble" probably makes it sound worse than it was, but the incident did put a damper on the evening. Unbeknown to myself, state parks no longer allow alcohol beverages. I quickly learned of the new rule when the park ranger came to our site and issued a 55 dollar citation to one of the members in our group for having an open beer in front of them.

Andrew began to shake his head when I began to express my concern. From my point of view, a warning would have been suficiant. The ranger indicated that when we entered the park the registration office should have made clear that no alcohol was allowed. Well, unfortunately, we were not one of the lucky ones. There were no signs posted, nor did anyone mention that alcohol was forbidden. Of course when I got home I had to look it up, and sure enough WAC 352-32-210 states:
Opening, possessing alcoholic beverage in an open container, or consuming any alcoholic beverages in any state park or state park area is prohibited...

So there you have it!! For more info check out this link "consumption of alcohol in state parks." Not sure about camping without beer, as I have always felt they go hand and hand.......or just keep in on the low! Enjoy your summer everyone!!

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