I visited White Pond after several years, and unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. What used to be a peaceful place has changed significantly, mainly due to the large crowd and environmental issues. Firstly, the number of visitors has increased dramatically. There are so many people that it feels like a crowded city rather than a natural retreat. The parking lot is too small and is completely filled with cars, with vehicles parked along the road, creating dangerous traffic conditions. Secondly, the pollution is quite alarming. People litter indiscriminately, discarding trash into the bushes or even into the water from boats and inflatable crafts. I couldn't help but notice a lot of trash, much of it seems to be "Hecho en México", which suggests that a large number of our Mexican friends are contributing to this mess. Additionally, the water quality has deteriorated due to the lack of proper facilities. Without toilets, people urinate into the water and bushes nearby, leading to an increase in phosphorus levels. This causes excessive algae growth, water blooming, and the death of snails and fish. The water also appears to be contaminated with parasites and harmful bacteria, making it unsafe for swimming.
Moreover, I observed a significant increase in snakes in and around the lake. The shores seem to be turning into marshes, attracting more frogs and providing food for snakes. While I don't know if these snakes are venomous, the lake is teeming with them.
Traveling two hours from the city to face crowds, pollution, and snake risks seems like a questionable pleasure. Overall, the place has been spoiled, and it's clear that people are responsible for its degradation. read more