Lord Hill Regional Park — Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

I don't go to Lord Hill that much anymore. It's not that I've grown tired of it; I just think it's lost a bit of it's appeal for me. Let me explain -

It used to be called a "pocket wilderness". No more. The last several years have seen the Park grow dramatically. Not only in the number of visitors, but also the number of trails. Parking is at a premium on weekends. And no longer can I go all day without seeing anyone.

The users are divided into three camps - the hikers, the bikers, and the riders. They've been bickering for years as to who gets what. Each has their own agenda; and can't agree on which areas of the Park to share. The Parks Dept. has the tough job of trying to make them all happy - all while trying to make sense of all the new trails, and develop a comprehensive map. I've been tugged several different ways to the point where I've grown weary of it; and I just don't care anymore. The problem as I see it is not who gets to use what trail; but rather how many trails are out there now.

It used to be I could go out to the "back forty", by Bald Hill Pond, and truly feel that I was "lost" in the woods. There were no trails back there, and the trees are old enough to give you the feeling that you were in the deep forest. Bald Hill Pond was mysterious - down in a bowl and hard to get to. One winters day, I sat on the bluff above the pond checking out all the ducks in the water. Being as isolated as it is, it's a popular place for them to congregate. They were so thick that you could walk across the pond on them. No kidding. When I got up to leave, I spooked several of them, and they took off. That spooked the rest of the flock, and they all took off at once. A thousand ducks at least! They circled a couple times to get out of the bowl - and then the pond was empty. I felt bad for disturbing them; but I will always remember the sight.

That might never happen again. I was out at Bald Hill Pond today. I hadn't been on a good exploration for awhile, and the last time I was back there, I noticed they had gotten quite a ways in with their flags. (yes, that was me that took them down) Well, not only are there flags everywhere, there are trails to match! They go everywhere - all the way to Bald Hill Pond and beyond. And flags hanging from what seemed like every limb - you cannot get out of sight of them. I had hoped that they would leave this corner of the Park alone. We don't need to invade every part of the woods just because we can. Let it be at peace. Cougar Mountain has an area that is left to nature - it would be nice to have that here also.

Years ago, while exploring in the woods below Bald Hill Pond, I came across an old sign in the brush above the creek. I decided to try to find it again today. I came across several boundary markers for "NGPA" and finally, the old sign. I wonder if they know that the trails back here are in a protected area? There is just nowhere left in the Park anymore that doesn't have a trail nearby...

No, I'm not angry. Or bitter. Or even disappointed. (well, maybe a little) I think the feeling that best sums it up is resignation. I knew this day would come. With the Puget Sound population booming, and it's close proximity - it was bound to happen. It has turned from a "pocket wilderness" to an urban park. I think today was the day the realization set in, and it made me a kinda sad...