RIP Northwest Branch Trail (?-2021)
The trail of my youth is unfortunately now unrecognizable. Such is life. It's still there thankfully. The trail went online a couple of years ago, and became official. At the beginning of the pandemic, the people began to show up. Weekend after weekend, a few more cars would fill the parking area near the trailhead. Now, on most weekends, the lot is full. The trail is heavily impacted by foot traffic, side trails abound. The place where I always sought peace and solitude throughout my adult life, is now a human highway with groups, couples, dogs, and phone chatter. Thankfully I still have a couple of ace's up my sleeve, for places where I can get away. The trail now belongs to the people. Those who need solitude will have to go elsewhere...
