I have a Gripe…

…and I need to vent share.

LaBrett and I headed out on Saturday morning to get in my 11 mile run. We started off in our neighborhood and made our way to Bear Creek Park where there are lovely running and cycling trails made wide enough for all to share. As we were snaking our way through the trails, we both noticed (and commented) on the number of families out getting professional photographs done. Bear Creek Park is a wonderful setting to have photos done so it was not at all unusual to see this. We just continued on our merry little way and made it out of the trails and towards Rufe Snow and Keller Smithfield. After the half way mark, we turned around and headed back towards the trails. It was not long until we came up on a family of about 7 or 8 just meandering on the trails. I was in a groove and politely said, “coming on your left”. They just stopped and completely blocked both sides. I maneuvered my way through the crowd and dodged the 2 boys on bikes that were coming right towards me. While I was dodging, LaBrett got forced off the pavement and onto the dirt and grass on her road bike because this family simply would not move. I got some snooty looks and snooty comments as I was running past them. But the part that really got me was the photographer. “I am so tired of having to photoshop out runners and people on bikes every time I shoot out here”.

Um…I am pretty sure Bear Creek has always been full of runners and cyclists. I am also pretty sure that many photographers come out for photo shoots and expect to see runners and cyclists out on the running and cycling trails. And I am pretty sure there are no signs that say Photographers Only. If you can find one, I will happily take my running else where and let you have the trails all to yourself. Until then, realize these are trails that are going to have runners and cyclists on it. Oh yeah, one more thing. Photoshop is made for editing.

Thank you.