Some people are pigs (no offense to the pigs). This is a good thing because it allows us to have "clean-up" days. This is where we get to go kayaking in areas that are normally closed or not allowed -- and actually get thanked for it.
The success of any clean up is measured on a trash-to participant scale. So where human discards are normally shunned by others, for these events they are exceedingly valuable. The more trash you're carrying around, the higher your prestige. If the dumpster gets filled enough, then a bonus is usually awarded in the form of another free kayaking, or rather clean-up day.
The dedicated start early, work hard and rise to the top conspicuously. The ne'er-do-wells (NDWs) use the event to enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking and often employ deceptive means to make it look as if they are toiling away.
For example, here's a picture of one who has pre-planned his deception. He loaded his Oasis tandem with a bunch of equipment which can be toted around to impress the organizers:
On the other hand, this is my friend John, a dedicated individual returning with his first load in his Hobie Sport, even as everyone else is getting started. Here he is giving directions to a major trash source:
You can see his reaction when an NDW offers to buy his trash so he can cruise around with it instead of actually collecting it himself...
...after which he leaves promptly to drop off his valuable load:
A sharp eye reveals one of the inspectors inconspicuously monitoring the event:
In a trash pick-up, any human by-product is fair game, while everything else is considered natural and should not be disturbed. Here, the NDW suddenly shows up strutting around with a major trophy he claims had washed ashore, although several onlookers reported seeing him lurking around one of the lake buoys:
In the meantime, our friend John cements his leadership as master collector with his second full load -- and by the smile on his face, he knows it. Some of the jealous were heard spreading rumors that he must have a secret stash hidden.
Our NDW finally raids a trash can and quickly empties the contents into his craft. Fortunately there is still plenty of room on the boat! Here he heads back with his booty:
The authorities were so pleased by the result, they have granted another clean-up day next month, mostly thanks to John. I'll start saving my trash.
If you ever want to go kayaking someplace that is closed or forbidden, simply get the authorities to agree to a clean-up day, bring your tools and camera and enjoy a lovely day at your local watery!
