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
Saturday, December 10, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)