Editor,

Sharon Emerson in a Letter to the editor recommended building an RV park at the fairgrounds. It is good to float a lot of ideas.

This one may work, but we’d like to raise some cautions, based on staying at over 100 different parks and campgrounds in the past two years in our RV.

First, RV campgrounds are almost always seasonal. We have stayed in many campgrounds where we were the only ones there because it was out of season. And the “season” here can be very short. One doesn’t usually hear people saying, “Let’s go to the PNW instead of Arizona this January, dear.”

Second, there is a hidden cost for RVers — ferry fees. A one-way ticket for our small RV is $28. That will dissuade many people, especially those who might be traveling through for only a single night.

Third, there needs to be something to do besides shop. Some people can detach and could explore the island. Those who can’t will be walking through town once, probably not even eating here as they have their own kitchens.

Fourth, there are already a lot of places for camping on the island, many in scenic areas. There is a saturation point somewhere.

Fifth, although there has been a rebound lately, RV ownership is still far below what it was a few years ago because of the damage to retirement funds. The future is uncertain.

Sixth, is there water and sewage capacity for what essentially is a large number of additional homes in a small area?

Seventh, according to hosts we have talked with, there are occasionally problems that require law enforcement. Not everybody is a happy camper.

Eighth, there can be lots of noise especially if generators are allowed. A nice little hum all through the fairgrounds.

Ninth, get ready for lots of complaints about dogs being off leashes and being noisy.

Finally, in that area, if a lot of concrete is poured, be prepared for litigation regarding where the run- off goes.

DAN AND VICKY GRAYBILL

Langley