Dave,
I was with the group of 3 H1's and 4 H2's where the pictures were taken.
First off, the spot where the H1 (no it wasn't me) backed into the water was directly on the main trail. It was actually a turn-out and appeared to be a boat launch (this was before the first split between the staging area and the rock garden), and we were letting a group of jeeps pass by. Granted, in retrospect, it was probably a bad idea for the driver to back into the water, but he just did it for the photo, and he definately did not blaze any new trails to get there. You are 100% incorrect with this statement "There is not a legal trail within a 1000 yards of where that rig is".
The photo of where the trucks are lined up just short of observation point are not on any bushes. All of the trucks are on granite slabs that had plenty of tire tracks there before. We were very careful to stay on the slabs as well and not get into any vegetation. We actually spent a good deal of time picking up some trash from a capsite that was in evidence where the picture was taken.
I for one ALWAYS practice "Tread Lightly" principles, and always lend a hand when someone on the trail is in need. I take offence when someone jumps to conclusions about stuff and makes poor assumtions without checking out the facts.
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