Serene Reflections: Marshall Lake in Flagstaff

Dear white folks, There is no reason to drive out into the middle of nowhere and camp, walk your dog, picnic, birdwatch, directly next to someone if there are plenty of other sites available. Multiple people during my stay, consisting of week days in late March, came and went from the nearest campsite to me, parked directly facing my campsite from various positions (not optimizing solar or level surfaces, just lazily willing to be on top of someone else.) It’s March, there are enough available campsites that we could easily space ourselves in a way that we never know the other one even exists. You know, so like, we can enjoy nature rather than city life? No? Okay, my bad, I totally misunderstood the point of places like this then… I saw a guy camped on the opposite side of the lake move next to me instead. He had his pop up tent and hammock already set up far enough away that we couldn’t hear each other at all. I saw him moving rocks around to personalize his campsite. Why move directly beside me and unavoidably into my view? (After seeing me, a female, clean up my campsite during the day…) Your entitlement is not a reason. There are plenty of sites, like the one you previously occupied! I don’t want to hear every noise you feel entitled to make out in what could otherwise be pristine wilderness. Your music sucks, and thanks for all the trash! I’m so blessed to get to watch you pee facing my campsite! I love hiding in my van to avoid interacting with people who don’t respect basic decency! Super fun! That’s my argument to appeal to your sense of outrageous selfishness, devolving into the most sarcastic tone I possess. (I don’t expect anyone to bother to read this but I would love someone to comprehend it if the mistake is made!) The argument about my safety in the utmost of serious tones has never meant anything to you, otherwise you’d be more willing to keep your distance. I already know you’re allowed to be creepy and I’m not allowed to feel safe. And I should probably just be grateful for all the trash. My entire time in Arizona has been white supremacist heavy. I know the people of Flagstaff don’t see themselves that way, voting democrat for the past 20-25 years. I’m mentioning it so you can address the lies you’re telling to yourself and do better. (You won’t, don’t worry, I’m already leaving.) Other people exist too. Back off. I drove a distance from every other camper already here. You could too. Do better. It’s super weird you think you can show up anywhere, do whatever you want without any consequences, and if the people who were there first don’t like they it, they should be the ones who move two minutes down the road. Over and over and over again. To avoid YOU. You make all the rules, follow none of them, and arbitrarily enforce them on people who you think are different and are probably mad I used the phrase “white supremacist heavy” to describe an elitist place between Native American reservations and Mexico. Don’t worry, I’m leaving as fast as I can. I know that logic and reason have no place here. I’m just supposed to apologize for existing and find somewhere else to “go away” to. Otherwise a perfect dispersed campsite!

New years fun

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Water foul everywhere!

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.