Reasons I dislike Three Pond Barrens

Certain enthusiasts have begrudgingly remarked upon my apparently unusual distaste for the once-preferred swimming spot and sorry hiking locale known as "Three Pond Barrens" and also referred to as 3PB. I wish to lay out here a brief essay to detail my specific reasonings once and for all.

My hope is to find a convert or two, or, barring that, to at least have my feelings better understood by huddlers in general.

Reasons:

1) There is no view.

This is to say that it overlooks a pond of no particularly distinct character. The same is true, I believe, of the hike. It offers no view of spectacular cliffs, rugged shores or impressive mountaintops.

2) Proximity to superior destinations, many known by barely a soul and quite sans-skeets.

The critic of reason #1 would do well to consult a map of St. John's and environs to see myriad bays and ponds that are under-utilized and under-appreciated (i.e., Beachy Cove, Flatrock, Logy Bay, Pouch Cove, Broad Cove, most of the southern shore). 3PB has a fine proximity to town which is all well and good (I believe it to be its only saving grace) but even a brief jaunt up the Southside Hills reveal superior views and ponds, and many of the nearby bays are but 10 minutes drive further out. Well worth it, in my opinion.

3) Proximity to encroaching development.

Airport Heights and Kelsey drive are now the nearest neighbours of 3PB. Dislike. Sure, we shall crane our ears there tonight and see if we cannot hear the hum of the road.

4) Pond is windy and unremarkable.

As opposed to locales like Flatrock (which is warm, and pleasant, when not skeet-filled), the water at 3PB is not especially calm or warm. There is a myriad of more isolated and more interesting ponds just as near the city. It is merely that we must take several minutes to explore them.

To conclude, please note that I have not disliked our trips to 3PB in general, for obviously, the company was good, even when we went camping with a few randoms that time. I merely prefer to form our company in a more spectacular locale, say Beachy Cove, Flatrock, or any of the wonderful bays and beaches, and even ponds, that lie just a few short minutes further than the lazy man's love of 3PB. Curious to hear whether defenders here have fine reasons to continue defending the locale, beyond a difference of aesthetics.

No ill will is meant by the remarks above, but hopefully a dialogue will be fruitful, maybe even leading to a more remarkable consensus location to form a camping and hiking company.

Sincerely,

INvisible SHield