When I first moved to the island 30 years ago, I could ramble about freely on much acreage that is no longer accessible, thanks to private ownership and often absentee owners. How about public right-of-way paths through extended privately owned acreage as part of community stewardship and good intentions? I understand the desire for privacy and seclusion, and I’m not talking about paths any closer than 500 yards from any building, but if dogs are leashed (so they don’t chase deer or cause trouble) and poop bags are in hand, what harm could be done? I guess I just don’t get it. And thank you to everyone who has freely invited me and dog Friday to walk on your driveway, through your woods and even on your beach. You know who you are.

Antoinette Botsford and Friday the dog

Eastsound