This "easy" hike on a very, very cold day was taken during our substitute vacation (we were supposed to be in Colorado but with the Covid labor shortages and flight cancellations we were afraid we wouldn't make it back in time for Betsy to teach her January class). In any event, we wound up at a Marriott property outside Atlantic City. After exploring several towns at "the shore", today we opted for a nature hike for a change of pace.
We visit Jakes Branch County Park. This tip came from our son Matt who relayed that this park had a great nature center. We decided to check it out for him and we discovered even more. The property was just off the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County, New Jersey.
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| We're here! There's less snow on the ground than the other day, but it is COLD! |
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| The visitor's center looked very cool with an observation tower high above. |
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| Exhibits inside were first rate and included examples of wildlife to be found. |
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| Getting to the observation deck required an easy climb of a couple flights of stairs. |
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We gazed across the Pine Barrens out toward Lakehurst Naval Air Station
(where the Hindenburg exploded in 1937). |
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| The parking lot views are a little less exciting. |
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| The panoramic view from the top shows that the Pine Barrens are very flat - no mountains or hills. |
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| We hit the trail. There are some obstacle-course-like activities that the kids would absolutely love! |
The sandy trails littered with pine needle are easy on the feet.
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| From time to time, intentional fire breaks can be seen crossing the trails. |
After we did an outer loop, we explored the interpretive nature trail (check out the map above to see both loops). There were numbered concrete posts describing vegetation and other interesting elements. There was also a paper guide, but unfortunately, I forgot to pick it up back in the building. Instead I took pictures of all 10 posts. These are the first two, but I will spare you for all of them in this blog.
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| There was not a lot a wildlife to see on this very cold day. This bird of prey perch up high may have been part of the reason. I'm sure he was looking for his next meal. |
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I can't remember what #4 was (I have since misplaced the guide to the nature trail).
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Our winter adventure in the woods covered 3.01 miles in 1:18. From there we hopped in the car and set off for the beach.
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You thought I was kidding, didn't you.
The only downside besides the wind.... I forgot my book. |
