As for the straw, I know for a fact that at least one long serving Task Force member was recommending the wood chip / forest bark that was used so successfully 10 years ago. Works much better, is easier to clean up afterwards, doesn't present such a fire hazard when it dries out and doesn't smell! Of course it costs more and can't be obtained with a quick call to a local farmer. I would guess that SH recommended the same. I suspect cost and convenience won.

The new road into the campsite was an excellent innovation though! Prevented a lot of the usual problems with mud at the gate without the expensive, noisy metal track. Anyone notice it? Congratulations to Alan W for this.

Bob