Progress!

I don't mind progress and change. Really I don't. The problem is that so often it is at the expense of our environment. Two years ago when we stayed here at Phipps Park, it was pretty basic and still marginally developed. Each day we had turtles and bunnies and snakes(yikes) crawling by the edge of our site bordering the waterway. It was a blast to sit and wait and watch. The manager said there were even otters, which I never saw. I know there are alligators!

Now I look out my front window and see lawn and a sidewalk. I loved it at first sight when we pulled in. It is certainly very nice for people, but after mulling it over, I wonder what the wildlife thinks?

Look across the waterway to the other side and you will see what the bank on this side used to resemble. So while bleached out tourists like me savor the "new park" feel that is now Phipps and its added amenities, where do the turtles and bunnies go? I had brought my game camera to set up and catch some pictures. All I am likely to get now are shots of people walking by or riding bikes by day and earthworms at night.

In defense of Phipps, it's a public park for people. They have developed a nice nature walk on the other side of the park which I will feature in another post. They added a pier and improved boat access. They have added 50 amp electric at the campsites and plan to install sewer hook-ups. All these are things that will please the crowds and make life easier for folks just like me. This merits a thumbs up! And of course my view of the water is outstanding!!!

But it won't be the same for me as the "good ole days" are gone. Oh well, I just need to find out where the bunnies, turtles, and otters are hanging out now (but maybe not the snakes).