The ingenuity of my father has delivered many great things in life, but the best is by far a term he has coined years ago and has been gaining popularity ever since- CAWS. It is an acronym for "Crap And Worthless Shit," which basically describes all the little nic nacs, momentos, desk paraphernalia, etc. that everyone else but you thinks has little to no value.
Examples:
She picked up some bona fide CAWS at the yard sale during her afternoon stroll.
He truly cherished his man cave, because it was the one place his wife allowed him to store all of his favorite CAWS on display.
The amount of time you spend deciding whether or not to buy something is inversely proportional to the value of the CAWS you're considering buying.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Trip #28: Stokes State Forest
Saturday, December 10, 2011
My original plan was to spend half the day at Stokes State Forest and half at High Point State Park. But because I missed a trail, I ended up going further into the forest, and by that point, turning around wouldn't leave me much time to go to High Point. So I just kept on going.
I started off around ten or ten-thirty in the morning at the Culver's parking lot, off of Upper North Shore Road (if you need a trail map or to use restroom, they're located at the Park Office on Coursen Road.) I followed the One-Way Road to the Tower Trail, to the Appalachian Trail, all the way to Sunrise Mountain. The One-Way Road is currently closed to vehicles, and will be until two bridges, destroyed during Hurrican Irene, are fixed. The Tower Trail is an insane hike once you hit the half-way point. Not only is the path rocky, but at points I was actually walking up huge boulders. The Appalachian trail was also pretty consistently rocky. I was very glad to be wearing my steel-tipped shoes. Otherwise I would have stubbed my toes multiple times. These trails are not for the weak of heart.
Today was a beautiful December day for a hike, albeit chilly. My walk was incredibly peaceful; the colors of the wind, rustles of the leaves as I stepped, and a few stray birds were the only sounds I heard. My favorite parts of the journey were standing at three summits. First, when I took the Appalachian trail up to a summit, before realizing I went the wrong way and had to descend. Second, at the top of the Tower Trail. And third, at Sunrise Mountain. It doesn't matter how difficult a climb may be. Whenever I reach the top and look out onto the earth, that view makes it all worth it. I just need to remember these places next summer; it seems like the perfect place to read, have a picnic or just break out and dance.
I made it to the top of Sunrise Mountain, and still hadn't encountered any hikers on my path. The only people I saw were hunters at ground level. As I was looking out into the distance on one side of Sunrise Mountain, I was startled by a sound. Fortunately, it was only a person- still no bear encounters. It was perfect timing for some human interaction. After hiking alone for three straight hours, some conversation was definitely welcomed. My new hiking friend was even generous enough to drive me back to my car, rather than letting me hike back all the miles I went through. As we drove out from his parking spot, we saw about six hunters pulling a dead black bear on a sled. The poor little guy looked so small for a bear. I've never seen a black bear up close, so I suppose I don't have much of a reference point, but the bear looked like the size of a large dog. That was my only sighting of a black bear today. At least I didn't have to worry about a confrontation, right?
By the time I returned to my car, it was approaching three o'clock. Since dusk was less than two hours away, I decided to drive to Stony Lake to check it out before I began to head home. Apparently the lake is open for swimming during the summertime, but I saw one area that didn't look too friendly for swimming. Or, at least for someone who's used to swimming in oceans and pools, and not lakes with plant-life clearly growing in them.
There are a few benefits to hiking in the winter: no bugs, no ticks, no snakes, fewer bears (or so I assume). Plus, if there were bears, at least there's no foliage to hide behind. That being said, that could also be bad for me...
There are two more parks in the Delaware Water Gap area that I need to get to: High Point State Park and Worthington State Forest. Another day, though my next trip might not be until January. Depends on how willing I am to squeeze in a day.
Here is the link for my pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150512569455260.424326.753450259&type=1&l=46a67c9c58
My original plan was to spend half the day at Stokes State Forest and half at High Point State Park. But because I missed a trail, I ended up going further into the forest, and by that point, turning around wouldn't leave me much time to go to High Point. So I just kept on going.
I started off around ten or ten-thirty in the morning at the Culver's parking lot, off of Upper North Shore Road (if you need a trail map or to use restroom, they're located at the Park Office on Coursen Road.) I followed the One-Way Road to the Tower Trail, to the Appalachian Trail, all the way to Sunrise Mountain. The One-Way Road is currently closed to vehicles, and will be until two bridges, destroyed during Hurrican Irene, are fixed. The Tower Trail is an insane hike once you hit the half-way point. Not only is the path rocky, but at points I was actually walking up huge boulders. The Appalachian trail was also pretty consistently rocky. I was very glad to be wearing my steel-tipped shoes. Otherwise I would have stubbed my toes multiple times. These trails are not for the weak of heart.
Today was a beautiful December day for a hike, albeit chilly. My walk was incredibly peaceful; the colors of the wind, rustles of the leaves as I stepped, and a few stray birds were the only sounds I heard. My favorite parts of the journey were standing at three summits. First, when I took the Appalachian trail up to a summit, before realizing I went the wrong way and had to descend. Second, at the top of the Tower Trail. And third, at Sunrise Mountain. It doesn't matter how difficult a climb may be. Whenever I reach the top and look out onto the earth, that view makes it all worth it. I just need to remember these places next summer; it seems like the perfect place to read, have a picnic or just break out and dance.
I made it to the top of Sunrise Mountain, and still hadn't encountered any hikers on my path. The only people I saw were hunters at ground level. As I was looking out into the distance on one side of Sunrise Mountain, I was startled by a sound. Fortunately, it was only a person- still no bear encounters. It was perfect timing for some human interaction. After hiking alone for three straight hours, some conversation was definitely welcomed. My new hiking friend was even generous enough to drive me back to my car, rather than letting me hike back all the miles I went through. As we drove out from his parking spot, we saw about six hunters pulling a dead black bear on a sled. The poor little guy looked so small for a bear. I've never seen a black bear up close, so I suppose I don't have much of a reference point, but the bear looked like the size of a large dog. That was my only sighting of a black bear today. At least I didn't have to worry about a confrontation, right?
By the time I returned to my car, it was approaching three o'clock. Since dusk was less than two hours away, I decided to drive to Stony Lake to check it out before I began to head home. Apparently the lake is open for swimming during the summertime, but I saw one area that didn't look too friendly for swimming. Or, at least for someone who's used to swimming in oceans and pools, and not lakes with plant-life clearly growing in them.
There are a few benefits to hiking in the winter: no bugs, no ticks, no snakes, fewer bears (or so I assume). Plus, if there were bears, at least there's no foliage to hide behind. That being said, that could also be bad for me...
There are two more parks in the Delaware Water Gap area that I need to get to: High Point State Park and Worthington State Forest. Another day, though my next trip might not be until January. Depends on how willing I am to squeeze in a day.
Here is the link for my pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150512569455260.424326.753450259&type=1&l=46a67c9c58
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Trip #27: Island Beach State Park
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Once September and October went by without any more state park visits, I concluded that my Jersey Journey had come to a close. Until today, and boy, have I missed it!
As part of my preparation for my first official Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights in February 2012 (yes, I'm crazy), I figured I should get my body used to the decreasing temperatures of the ocean so my body doesn't go into complete shock. Plus, the fact that I made a pledge to myself to go to the shore once a month. I love the ocean too much to wait until May, and since this is the first year I have a steady income, I can actually go places! I should note here that I didn't go into the ocean at Island Beach State Park- I drove to the next town north, which is Seaside Park to go into the water.
Island Beach State Park has definitely topped the list of my favorite state parks. Partly because the only way to make a state park better is to have it near the ocean, a runner-up to the mountains.
The only fee for the park is $5 for your vehicle. During the summer, it's $10 per vehicle. It's a shame I didn't make it here during the summer. The white sand is gorgeous, the dunes are beautiful, and the beach feels like an escape from civilization. That being said, I probably wouldn't have made it to the trails because I would have wanted to stay on the beach side the whole time. Regardless, the trails on the bayside were incredibly peaceful. It was far enough from the crashing of the waves, so the only sounds were birds chirping and plants swaying in the breeze. It was a breath of fresh air from all the noise encountered in everyday life. Regarding animals, I didn't see any foxes, but heard and saw a number of birds, including what I think was an osprey. Unfortunately, I only had a quick glance of him and wasn't able to snap a picture.
This park felt like three attractions in one- the forest, the wetlands, and the beach...can it get any better? In that regard, having a beach setting along with abundant plant-life by the bay reminded me a little of Gateway National Recreation Area, at Sandy Hook. The tiny waves in the bay and the thunder of waves crashing both were music to my ears. I have yet to find a sound more calming than water. It has an uncanny way of putting me into a completely calm state, and just washing any concerns I have.
As the morning hours became the latter half of the day, I drove north to Seaside Park to go for a swim. But, once again, the water was too rough for me to go in past my waist, so I made do with that depth. I could only last about five minutes this time, as opposed to ten or fifteen minutes about two weeks ago. Had it not been for my feet, I could have easily withstood a longer time in the water...If I go into shock come February, at least I had a good run.
I then decided to see what all the hullabaloo was with Seaside Heights, aka the scene of the Jersey Shore television show. It just seemed like a big hang-out place on the boardwalk, and the beach wasn't anything special. If I'm in this area, I'd rather go to Seaside Park than Seaside Heights. The former seems like it'd be more peaceful.
I had forgotten how much these little adventures bring me to a peace of mind. Though winter is approaching, I need to be sure to get out to at least a few state parks before Spring rolls around. Let's just hope I don't encounter any bears if I make it to the mountains!
Here is a link to my pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150497392995260.422901.753450259&type=1&l=d95213a4ad
Once September and October went by without any more state park visits, I concluded that my Jersey Journey had come to a close. Until today, and boy, have I missed it!
As part of my preparation for my first official Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside Heights in February 2012 (yes, I'm crazy), I figured I should get my body used to the decreasing temperatures of the ocean so my body doesn't go into complete shock. Plus, the fact that I made a pledge to myself to go to the shore once a month. I love the ocean too much to wait until May, and since this is the first year I have a steady income, I can actually go places! I should note here that I didn't go into the ocean at Island Beach State Park- I drove to the next town north, which is Seaside Park to go into the water.
Island Beach State Park has definitely topped the list of my favorite state parks. Partly because the only way to make a state park better is to have it near the ocean, a runner-up to the mountains.
The only fee for the park is $5 for your vehicle. During the summer, it's $10 per vehicle. It's a shame I didn't make it here during the summer. The white sand is gorgeous, the dunes are beautiful, and the beach feels like an escape from civilization. That being said, I probably wouldn't have made it to the trails because I would have wanted to stay on the beach side the whole time. Regardless, the trails on the bayside were incredibly peaceful. It was far enough from the crashing of the waves, so the only sounds were birds chirping and plants swaying in the breeze. It was a breath of fresh air from all the noise encountered in everyday life. Regarding animals, I didn't see any foxes, but heard and saw a number of birds, including what I think was an osprey. Unfortunately, I only had a quick glance of him and wasn't able to snap a picture.
This park felt like three attractions in one- the forest, the wetlands, and the beach...can it get any better? In that regard, having a beach setting along with abundant plant-life by the bay reminded me a little of Gateway National Recreation Area, at Sandy Hook. The tiny waves in the bay and the thunder of waves crashing both were music to my ears. I have yet to find a sound more calming than water. It has an uncanny way of putting me into a completely calm state, and just washing any concerns I have.
As the morning hours became the latter half of the day, I drove north to Seaside Park to go for a swim. But, once again, the water was too rough for me to go in past my waist, so I made do with that depth. I could only last about five minutes this time, as opposed to ten or fifteen minutes about two weeks ago. Had it not been for my feet, I could have easily withstood a longer time in the water...If I go into shock come February, at least I had a good run.
I then decided to see what all the hullabaloo was with Seaside Heights, aka the scene of the Jersey Shore television show. It just seemed like a big hang-out place on the boardwalk, and the beach wasn't anything special. If I'm in this area, I'd rather go to Seaside Park than Seaside Heights. The former seems like it'd be more peaceful.
I had forgotten how much these little adventures bring me to a peace of mind. Though winter is approaching, I need to be sure to get out to at least a few state parks before Spring rolls around. Let's just hope I don't encounter any bears if I make it to the mountains!
Here is a link to my pictures: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150497392995260.422901.753450259&type=1&l=d95213a4ad
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Trip #26: Hopatcong State Park
Monday, September 5, 2011
After more than a month hiatus from the journey, due to a family vacation, dinner party with friends, switching jobs, and a hurricane, I finally made it to another state park. It seems as though the number of parks I'm going to make it to is on the decline as my weekends are becoming much more packed than they were in the summer. So this journey may very well extend into the next year, since I clearly can't finish it by November. Regardless....
On Monday, I went to Hopatcong State Park with a friend. I hadn't researched much of the park before going, so when I found out that there were pretty much zero trails, I was a little disappointed. However, the lake was open, and was surprisingly clean. Rather than a sandy beach, the texture was more like fine rocks that were larger than sand.
Though a nice place to check out, I probably wouldn't come back too often, unless I lived within a closer driving distance. (I still prefer the Jersey Shore!)
There are no pictures from this trip since it started drizzling when I was there, and then began down-pouring after an hour or so :/
After more than a month hiatus from the journey, due to a family vacation, dinner party with friends, switching jobs, and a hurricane, I finally made it to another state park. It seems as though the number of parks I'm going to make it to is on the decline as my weekends are becoming much more packed than they were in the summer. So this journey may very well extend into the next year, since I clearly can't finish it by November. Regardless....
On Monday, I went to Hopatcong State Park with a friend. I hadn't researched much of the park before going, so when I found out that there were pretty much zero trails, I was a little disappointed. However, the lake was open, and was surprisingly clean. Rather than a sandy beach, the texture was more like fine rocks that were larger than sand.
Though a nice place to check out, I probably wouldn't come back too often, unless I lived within a closer driving distance. (I still prefer the Jersey Shore!)
There are no pictures from this trip since it started drizzling when I was there, and then began down-pouring after an hour or so :/
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Trip #25: Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Allamuchy Mountain State Park was next on my list after Stephens State Park. It was no more than a ten minute drive between the two parks, which was quite convenient.
The sun continued to rise, as it was a little after 11:00 A.M. when I arrived. The parking lot was grassy, so I wouldn't recommend hiking and parking here after a rain storm. Unless you're feeling bold and have a truck of course. My original plan was to take the yellow trail to the white trail to the red trail to the blue trail to the yellow trail back to my car. The beginning of my hike didn't work out so well. I would suggest finding a better map than the one supplied by the park, because they don't have unmarked trails marked on the map. What I thought was the intersection of the yellow and white trail, ended up just being an unmarked trail that eventually led me back the white trail. Only, I wasn't sure which way was North. I really need to invest in a compass. I had a hunch to go right, but I second-guessed myself and went left. Then I found two people biking and asked them if they knew where they were. Apparently I chose the wrong direction. So I began to head back the other way.
I continued on the white trail, which had a random sharp turn down the mountain. I then came to another T, with no idea which way to go. Once again, my gut was telling me right, but I decided to go left. I knew it was the wrong way when I eventually saw a trail marker that said Allamuchy Pond Trail. I soon saw two hikers come down my path, and I asked if they knew their bearings. They showed me a map that marked me in the territory of an unmarked trail. Go figure. So I headed back to the white trail intersection and continued walking.
I later saw white/red markers, and eventually I entered on the red trail. Hooray! Since the red trail goes around Deer Park Pond and continues with the blue trail, the worst of the hike was now over. I can't get lost now: It must be easy breezy from here on out. As I neared the pond, the trees opened up to partly cloudy skies. I forgot how hot these summer days get when I've been in the shade the whole time. I was working up a healthy sweat by this time.
The pond was filled with lily pads, and a few flowers as well. If I looked out far enough, I could see the water glisten as it reflected the sunlight. Quite majestic, I may add. As I walked on the red trail, I started to see more raspberries, ripe for the picking. I really need to start growing a raspberry bush. It would be great if I could get a wild strain rather than a farmed strain. These raspberries just look so much juicier and natural. The soundtrack at this point of the trail was a bird who would not stop chirping. Once I found where it was, I took a little video zoomed in on it. A good minute of chirping, and it still didn't stop. My guess was that it was calling for a lover, with no avail. Though there was a second bird that began chiming in as well. Maybe she's playing hard to get. Regardless, walking around the pond and seeing a few pairs of people go by got me thinking- hiking definitely ranks up there in best date ideas.
After my walk around the pond concluded, I headed back into the woods. All I needed to do was take the blue trail back to the yellow trail. Not too bad. Though, before I left the pond area, I could have sworn I heard a beaver slapping his tail and breaking some sticks. I had remembered seeing something that looked like a dam on the pond, but the trail I was on didn't have access to the pond at this point. So unfortunately, I had to take it for granted that I heard a beaver. (After googling it online, there are in fact beavers at Allamuchy). The final animal I came across was a frog, which I only found because I heard him scurry in the leaves nearby. Unfortunately, I could only get a picture of his back before he moved along.
The last leg of the hike was a walk along the yellow trail, which doubled as a driving path. Only a few cars passed by, but considering the road was narrow for more than one car, I stopped walking to let a car pass by me. Then, after almost four hours of hiking (with the occasional break to take pictures), I finally made it back to my car. My legs were very happy to finish this journey.
I passed by a farmers market on the way to the parks, so I decided to take the same way home and pick up some local produce. I saw a gardening area with a table of self-serve corn and peaches (take what you want but put the total amount of money into a box.) I only bought two ears of corn and two peaches since they didn't look top-notch. I continued to drive and saw a larger produce stand. Here I bought some big, juicy-looking jersey tomatoes, more corn, more peaches, a watermelon, and raw milk cheddar cheese. I was really happy to see local, raw milk cheese. By this point, I felt satisfied. Then to my surprise, I saw a sign for another farm. So I followed the sign and came to Alstede Farms. I bought some broccoli, fresh local eggs (huge smile on my face when I saw those), and ice-cold local apple cider. That apple cider was liquid gold to my throat. Maybe just because it was so cold, maybe because it tasted so good, maybe just because I was a little hungry. But man, now that I was driving home feeling refreshed after quite a productive day, I was feeling on top of the world. Though a little rough at some points in my hike, this was one of those days that reminds me what living really is all about.
Pictures are 63-199: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316338465260.386848.753450259&l=ee3c9b87a9
Allamuchy Mountain State Park was next on my list after Stephens State Park. It was no more than a ten minute drive between the two parks, which was quite convenient.
The sun continued to rise, as it was a little after 11:00 A.M. when I arrived. The parking lot was grassy, so I wouldn't recommend hiking and parking here after a rain storm. Unless you're feeling bold and have a truck of course. My original plan was to take the yellow trail to the white trail to the red trail to the blue trail to the yellow trail back to my car. The beginning of my hike didn't work out so well. I would suggest finding a better map than the one supplied by the park, because they don't have unmarked trails marked on the map. What I thought was the intersection of the yellow and white trail, ended up just being an unmarked trail that eventually led me back the white trail. Only, I wasn't sure which way was North. I really need to invest in a compass. I had a hunch to go right, but I second-guessed myself and went left. Then I found two people biking and asked them if they knew where they were. Apparently I chose the wrong direction. So I began to head back the other way.
I continued on the white trail, which had a random sharp turn down the mountain. I then came to another T, with no idea which way to go. Once again, my gut was telling me right, but I decided to go left. I knew it was the wrong way when I eventually saw a trail marker that said Allamuchy Pond Trail. I soon saw two hikers come down my path, and I asked if they knew their bearings. They showed me a map that marked me in the territory of an unmarked trail. Go figure. So I headed back to the white trail intersection and continued walking.
I later saw white/red markers, and eventually I entered on the red trail. Hooray! Since the red trail goes around Deer Park Pond and continues with the blue trail, the worst of the hike was now over. I can't get lost now: It must be easy breezy from here on out. As I neared the pond, the trees opened up to partly cloudy skies. I forgot how hot these summer days get when I've been in the shade the whole time. I was working up a healthy sweat by this time.
The pond was filled with lily pads, and a few flowers as well. If I looked out far enough, I could see the water glisten as it reflected the sunlight. Quite majestic, I may add. As I walked on the red trail, I started to see more raspberries, ripe for the picking. I really need to start growing a raspberry bush. It would be great if I could get a wild strain rather than a farmed strain. These raspberries just look so much juicier and natural. The soundtrack at this point of the trail was a bird who would not stop chirping. Once I found where it was, I took a little video zoomed in on it. A good minute of chirping, and it still didn't stop. My guess was that it was calling for a lover, with no avail. Though there was a second bird that began chiming in as well. Maybe she's playing hard to get. Regardless, walking around the pond and seeing a few pairs of people go by got me thinking- hiking definitely ranks up there in best date ideas.
After my walk around the pond concluded, I headed back into the woods. All I needed to do was take the blue trail back to the yellow trail. Not too bad. Though, before I left the pond area, I could have sworn I heard a beaver slapping his tail and breaking some sticks. I had remembered seeing something that looked like a dam on the pond, but the trail I was on didn't have access to the pond at this point. So unfortunately, I had to take it for granted that I heard a beaver. (After googling it online, there are in fact beavers at Allamuchy). The final animal I came across was a frog, which I only found because I heard him scurry in the leaves nearby. Unfortunately, I could only get a picture of his back before he moved along.
The last leg of the hike was a walk along the yellow trail, which doubled as a driving path. Only a few cars passed by, but considering the road was narrow for more than one car, I stopped walking to let a car pass by me. Then, after almost four hours of hiking (with the occasional break to take pictures), I finally made it back to my car. My legs were very happy to finish this journey.
I passed by a farmers market on the way to the parks, so I decided to take the same way home and pick up some local produce. I saw a gardening area with a table of self-serve corn and peaches (take what you want but put the total amount of money into a box.) I only bought two ears of corn and two peaches since they didn't look top-notch. I continued to drive and saw a larger produce stand. Here I bought some big, juicy-looking jersey tomatoes, more corn, more peaches, a watermelon, and raw milk cheddar cheese. I was really happy to see local, raw milk cheese. By this point, I felt satisfied. Then to my surprise, I saw a sign for another farm. So I followed the sign and came to Alstede Farms. I bought some broccoli, fresh local eggs (huge smile on my face when I saw those), and ice-cold local apple cider. That apple cider was liquid gold to my throat. Maybe just because it was so cold, maybe because it tasted so good, maybe just because I was a little hungry. But man, now that I was driving home feeling refreshed after quite a productive day, I was feeling on top of the world. Though a little rough at some points in my hike, this was one of those days that reminds me what living really is all about.
Pictures are 63-199: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316338465260.386848.753450259&l=ee3c9b87a9
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Trip #24: Stephens State Park
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Starting off at Stephens State Park before heading to Allamuchy Mountain State Park proved to be a good idea, since the park office for Allamuchy was located at Stephens State Park. I originally planned this since I noticed that there are shorter trails at Stephens than at Allamuchy.
My hike began on the red trail by the park office. I then looped around and finished the last leg along the Musconetong River. There was a bit of an incline to start off with, which then progressed to a more gradual descent later on the trail. There isn't too much to say about my trail, besides the fact that it was quite buggy despite wearing bug spray. I'm used to hearing only birds chirping, that I was taken by surprise to hear a different sound- the low hum of bugs. It was a little unnerving being able to hear buzzing all around me, but besides a stray fly here and there, it was manageable. I spent less than an hour at this park, which was for the best since Allamuchy was going to be an all-day affair.
Pictures are 1-62: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316338465260.386848.753450259&l=ee3c9b87a9
Starting off at Stephens State Park before heading to Allamuchy Mountain State Park proved to be a good idea, since the park office for Allamuchy was located at Stephens State Park. I originally planned this since I noticed that there are shorter trails at Stephens than at Allamuchy.
My hike began on the red trail by the park office. I then looped around and finished the last leg along the Musconetong River. There was a bit of an incline to start off with, which then progressed to a more gradual descent later on the trail. There isn't too much to say about my trail, besides the fact that it was quite buggy despite wearing bug spray. I'm used to hearing only birds chirping, that I was taken by surprise to hear a different sound- the low hum of bugs. It was a little unnerving being able to hear buzzing all around me, but besides a stray fly here and there, it was manageable. I spent less than an hour at this park, which was for the best since Allamuchy was going to be an all-day affair.
Pictures are 1-62: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150316338465260.386848.753450259&l=ee3c9b87a9
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Trip #23: Spruce Run Recreation Area
Saturday, July 9, 2011
My final excursion for the day was Spruce Run. Google maps tricked me into thinking it was a State Park. There's one major difference between state parks and recreation areas: recreation areas charge you $5-10 for parking. Since it was a weekend day, it cost me ten dollars, which was a shame because I didn't spend more than an hour here as well.
Spruce Run Recreation Area is exactly what it says it is- a recreation area. I didn't see any trails, just a beach area on the lake and a number of group picnicking sites. One cool thing about it though, is that you can sail on the reservoir. You can even rent a boat! Near the boat launch area, a number of boats were parked on the dirt for the summer season, but I wonder if those are kept there by their owners.
Had I brought my bathing suit, this would have been a nice way to cool off after the hiking I did today. But it wasn't meant to be, which is okay, because I instead took the time to go back to the produce stand and farm to pick my own jersey peaches and buy some jersey tomatoes. And boy, are they yummy :) Nothing like some good ole local produce.
If there's one thing I learned about my three trips today, it's this: I'm a rural girl stuck in a city girl's mind.
Pictures are 134-155: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150300499995260.381633.753450259&l=901882d6a8
My final excursion for the day was Spruce Run. Google maps tricked me into thinking it was a State Park. There's one major difference between state parks and recreation areas: recreation areas charge you $5-10 for parking. Since it was a weekend day, it cost me ten dollars, which was a shame because I didn't spend more than an hour here as well.
Spruce Run Recreation Area is exactly what it says it is- a recreation area. I didn't see any trails, just a beach area on the lake and a number of group picnicking sites. One cool thing about it though, is that you can sail on the reservoir. You can even rent a boat! Near the boat launch area, a number of boats were parked on the dirt for the summer season, but I wonder if those are kept there by their owners.
Had I brought my bathing suit, this would have been a nice way to cool off after the hiking I did today. But it wasn't meant to be, which is okay, because I instead took the time to go back to the produce stand and farm to pick my own jersey peaches and buy some jersey tomatoes. And boy, are they yummy :) Nothing like some good ole local produce.
If there's one thing I learned about my three trips today, it's this: I'm a rural girl stuck in a city girl's mind.
Pictures are 134-155: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150300499995260.381633.753450259&l=901882d6a8
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