Musings: Is this really America the Beautiful?

Not far from here is a swimming hole that used to be known to only a few locals. Last summer, someone decided to dump a truckload of household detritus at the edge of the concrete barriers placed there to keep cars out. While I sometimes carry a trash bag to pick up the occasional bottle or can, this task of cleanup was beyond my ability.

Eventually it was carted away, but the gate at the road, which was once left open to all, is now permanently closed. As is always the case, the disrespectful behavior of a few ruins it for the many.