One of the critiques this site, and sites and publications like it, receive occasionally is that we're encouraging folks to "love parks/nature to death" or, in other words, giving away the secret sights (and sites) to be found outdoors. It's actually been awhile since this criticism has been levelled our way, but when it is the tone is usually very critical. "How can you claim to love nature?" or "You're the reason my favorite place is ruined/overrun!"
Presumably, our photos and trip reports entice others to visit the locations we've visited. Conversely, they also show the beauty and tremendous diversity to be found in Texas and in nature, hopefully making people more mindful of our environment and conservation.
So, what say you all? Where's the dividing line between sharing one's love of nature and the outdoors and protecting the resources and places that kindle that love?
There are times I'm on the trail and remember five or ten years ago hiking the same trail at the same time of year in virtual solitude. Happy coincidence, or are some of our Texas parks really getting too "well known" or, at least, much more crowded? Is it anyone's fault at all, or merely a consequence of population increasing and public land not keeping pace with it? Texas is, afterall, near the bottom of the list when it comes to public land per capita.
Just thought I'd throw that out... I've never broached the topic publicly here, but figured it was time to let folks stir the pot if they wanted to.
