Deep in "The Wilderness" there's a huge field of Japanese Knotweed, the intractable invasive plant that is taking over sections of the park's woodlands. Today this field has been cut repeatedly so the knotweed is not very tall. But several years ago, when out for a Sunday afternoon hike with my two boys, we chanced upon a narrow path that had been created in the knotweed. With 12 ft high plants on either side the path was more like a tunnel than a woodland trail. My boys ran delightedly down it with me following close behind. We found a small clearing in the middle with two elderly gentlemen who spoke no English, sitting in lounge chairs enjoying a drink. They smiled and laughed at the discovery of their hiding place, even offering us their refreshments.

--Christine