Encroachment

Today's adventure took place: Newlin Grist Mill

Nothing better than a mid-week trek to the trails.......

Last week, we all loaded up and headed over to a small local preserve, Newlin Grist Mill, for a few hours of quiet trail exploration. It is a place that my wife really enjoyed going to visit as a little girl, and we had been there a few years back for an impromptu birthday party.

Life never seems to live up to our memories. I was honestly disappointed at a couple of turns.

There is a pay-to-fish area - great for the kids, and, with no site fees, a great way to make money. I get that. However, the creek that runs through the property is posted OFF LIMITS - No Trespassing. The gentle creek is one of the real attractions there, and for it to be off limits was disappointing. No dipping of toes, checking for crayfish, nothing. Of course, the fisherman in me was dying to get a crack at the trout I could see from the bank! My suggestion would be to offer an annual catch-and-release, fly fishing permit for anyone wishing to fish the creek. It would bring in extra revenue (I would pay for one), and allow them to take down some of those ugly signs.

The most disturbing facet of the trip was the proximity of the McMansions. I was honestly mortified at the sight of the old cabin replica flanked by a McMansion not 75 yards behind it. The iron fence, the fake-wood deck, the radios blaring...argh! I go out into the woods to get away from all of that, the constant encroachment all around, and yet here it was, smack in my face.

We saw a doe up on a hill, spooked a rabbit in the brush, saw tadpoles and came across a frog. We had a nice walk. But the proximity of the (overbuilt) new development and the No Trespass signs all took something away from the whole experience for me. The trail itself was well maintained, but bland and directionless. It was an aimless wander and not one that I anticipate repeating.