State park better place to launch

Dear Editor

Crabbing season is in full swing, and so is the general public.

This year the Maple Grove neighborhood has encountered the most unpleasant, rude, thoughtless, selfish, and arrogant behaviors by those who come to launch their boats than ever before.

In just the first two weeks of the season, crabbers have come in at 3:30 a.m. to launch, and not very quietly; they return long after dark, leaving everyone to wonder whose pots have been picked; and there was a hit and run accident, too.

(Thank you to the Island County Deputy who responded and apprehended the offender.)

Numerous motor homes with multiple occupants have been cooking their crab (Isn't the limit five legal male crab per person per day?).

Maple Grove has a limit of 14 vehicles with trailers and six passenger vehicles ONLY! When it is full, it is full.

In spite of the county posting "no parking" signs in strategic locations, people still park. The general public is either illiterate or believes that message MUST be for someone else. The last incident occurred July 15 when the "crab flag" hanging from our deck blew off and must have landed in the road.

Someone thought it was meant for them, and drove off with it. We would appreciate its return, no questions asked.

Maple Grove is a residential neighborhood. People live here. You are VISITORS playing in our front yard! The county provides garbage cans and sani-cans for public use, so please use them.

If you find that Maple Grove is full, go on down to the state park where there is plenty of parking, no residents, and you will be welcome to enjoy your day on the water.

Penny Pfiester

Camano Island

Editor's note: The crab flag has since been returned.