Re: Mike Castro's Liability to recreational users

What would I do?

I would let the person who was threatened solve their own problem. You said that he threatened SOMEONE ELSE. Let them solve their own problem with Mike. Help them, if they ask.

What would I do?

I might also do just what you did... once. I'd make it known... public awareness, as you say. Then I'd let the public alone... to form their own opinion and not try to manipulate it for them. But I wouldn't attack that person's friends and acquaintances. I wouldn't thrash everyone else that forms their own different opinion of that person.

I wouldn't let it consume my life. Whether you are religious or not, Christian or not, what happened to forgive and forget? Anyone worth their salt in the field of human relations would tell you to practice a bit more tolerance, to forgive... or forget... and move on.

You know, there are a whole lot of other folks posting to this forum who have an opinion that is DIFFERENT than yours. People who have had their own relationships with the man. Because they are DIFFERENT, does that make them WRONG? How does one know if their stories are more true than yours? And how does one know or not if YOU take over the ranch, that you won't be better or worse in a different way? And does it really matter what others think?

I'm not a buddy of Mike's, hardly know the guy, but I've corresponded with AZ Mike and know he get's along with Mr. Castro. But AZ and I don't thrash each other for our different opinions. And he doesn't try to convince me to join the Castro fan club.

Mr. Wizard and I have corresponded quite a bit about the springs, the ranch, life, etc. I know he is NOT a Castro fan. And I know he even defends you at times. But he does not try to convince me to jump on the "hate Mike" bandwagon, I don't don't harange him for defending you. I don't think these guys let their opinion of Mike Castro consume their lives one way or the other. That's two guys on two sides of the arguement, Katrina... and quess what? They both visit the springs on a regular basis... and enjoy the experience, and don't fear for their lives, or let it control what they do. And though they may have differences, they can be pleasent to each other.

"Try it, you'll like it!"

If you think you have a legal claim to the patch of dirt... then do something about it legally and quit stiring everyone else up. If you don't have a legal claim and you're shot down in court or on the forum, then accept it, painful as it may be. And move on... and live your life.

I don't think my life is at risk by paying the toll, abiding by the land owner's rules, and being pleasent. And I don't believe that anyone else acting the same way will be in danger either. If I had a bad experience with Mike, I'd probably quit paying the toll, and find another way to get to the springs. Simple enough. It might be an inconvenience to me... but guess what, we've all been inconvenienced over many things, many times before. That's life.

Now... "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion, still." So I doubt that anything I've said will convince you to give it (and us) as rest. I doubt it will convince anyone to change their views. That's your (and their) choice. So... likewise, if I haven't convinced you... do you believe that you really will convince others with your posts?

I have no animosity toward you, Mike or anyone else here. This past week alone I have seen two good families that I am very close with, be adversly affected by consuming, errational behavior of one of the members of that family. One was forced to relocate to appease a troubled spouse... the other... burried their 22-year old son on Thursday after he committed suicide. I hate to see anyone mess up their lives or the lives of others from such consuming behavior. You can't change Mike, me, or the members of the forum, but you CAN change YOU.

Deep Creek Hot Springs will be enjoyed by those who really care and want to be there... with or without Mike's involvement... and with or without yours.