Today the surveyors were out and about, preparing for the new bridge for motorized vehicles to cross the McIntyre Creek at the Pump House in the Takhini/College area. Since the City extended their fence around the Pump house to narrow the trail, I have been enjoying peaceful walks, listening to the creek bubble over the rocks, to the singing birds, and hearing the wind rustling in the trees. Unfortunately, the the scent of the many flowers will soon be replaced with the stench of exhaust from the motorized vehicles. The peaceful hikes will be no more, as the sounds of motors echoing into the trails from the snowmobiles and ATV's will carry throughout the trails.
Even if these motorized vehicles stick to the "roads" to cross the new bridge, and not invade the trails, they will be allowed to surround the Creek hiking area, as there is the service road for the power lines on one side of the Creek, and the service road for the Pump house on the other side, and with the bridge approved for motorized vehicles to cross the Creek, it will encourage more vehicles to use the area, and take away from the quiet enjoyment of the trails.
For myself, and many other hikers/joggers in the area, the peaceful quiet is one of the simple pleasures of the trails. I have met one woman in the woods, even in the winter, who sits and meditates above the Creek. Unless her timing is great, where she can catch a time there are no vehicles in the area, she will have to find a new peaceful area to enjoy.
So people, get out and hike the trails while you can still enjoy the simple pleasures of the sounds and smells of nature along McIntyre Creek!!!
