Changes

Things change over time.  There is nothing we can do about that.

Back in the 70's, 80's, 90's, and into the early 2000s, the Adirondacks of New York State was my playground.  I spent many wonderful times there car camping at fantastic state parks, backpacking, canoe camping to remote locations, cross country skiing through the woods, climbing 17 of the High Peaks.  I have so many precious memories of time spent there.

Rollins Pond, my favorite of all the state campgrounds just east of Tupper Lake, was such a joy to spend time.  A pristine lake with carries to other ponds and lakes.  All campsites were on the water.  In the early morning, I would sit on the shore with my coffee and watch the ducks go by.  At night there was the campfire to enjoy.  One night as we sat around the campfire at our site, a real live bear walked behind the fire pit.  At first we thought it was a big dog.  It ran down to the water and crashed into our canoe!  We later learned there were several second year cubs roaming around.  The mama bear runs them off to be on their own at that age and they are in search of their "territory!"

For the last few years, I've been hearing increased tourism has ruined so much of the Adirondacks.  People today, with no experience or skill, think it's fun to go hike a High Peak and post pictures on facebook.  Campgrounds are overrun with obnoxious people with little or no respect for fellow campers.

It's truly sad that such a beautiful place is being destroyed by uncaring people.