The Knob

In years past, the Knob- or Gobbler's Knob (as it is affectionately referred to by local residents) has been a serene place hidden in Hamilton County; a spot all its own, one that pictures cannot begin to fully express, located just a few miles from Providence Prairie. From the moment we began hiking there, we sensed it was special, as it held so much history in its paths from days gone by. Many years ago while hiking there, we topped a hill and came upon a beauty- a sparkling lake; vast, yet hidden among the trees, away from all the outside world. It was breathtaking, concealed by its own forest borders, yet there for those who had permission to partake of its splendor. The sun sparkled across its waters as the few lily pads that grew along the water's edge swayed in the breeze. The Knob was a world all its own, cared for by those who used its hidden paths and those who desired to keep it tranquil and secluded. At the topmost knoll of the Knob, there stood a mature grove of Pine trees that seemed to sing of the joy that was known in its own lovely world. The breeze always seemed to blow there, whispering its memories of old. Little could this entire secluded world foresee that one day in the future its beauty would pass away.

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It had been a few years since we had taken a hike on the Knob, but news had spread that the old beauties were quickly disappearing. As we hiked along the ridge, the reports we had heard came to life before our eyes. Where there once was green grass along the paths, it was a devastated waste area of brown of mud.

The old pine trees along the knoll now seemed to mourn with sadness of things bygone; no longer did they sing with joy. As we made our way toward the once beautiful lake, before our eyes unfolded a sight which was heart wrenching. The levy along the east side had a large break in it and most of the shining waters had drained. Left in its spot was a large area of mud- just a world of mud. All that remained was a vast sea of brown earth and a puddle of a lake in comparison. The way that trespassers had no respect for this once wonderland tore out a little piece of our hearts. The Knob, once a picturesque place had been transformed. Its serene world was gone. It reminded one of the part in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy when Treebeard was grieved at Saruman's destruction of the Forests of Fangorn. Utter ruin.

The memory of a once better place and the hope that it will return once again will always be in our hearts. The Knob- a beautiful piece of God's world is lost, nevertheless in our minds, it will be a special spot- forever.