New Jersey CAN be Scenic!

I've been going to ALOT of parks lately and being on Spring Break it's been nothing but Hiking and Adventuring so far. I always knew there were mountains in the Northern part of my otherwise boring ugly state and I need to start going up there. I was on the shoreline yesterday and of course there were some hills/mountains but nothing that big. This is mostly just beaches and a few views. I usually don't post picture threads of random things but it's nature so I figured you guys would like it. When I finally go to the mountains in the North I'll post even more with MIKEY hopefully in them. This isn't really a place to bring a prissy water hating dog.. but he's showing lots of promise of liking water so we'll see
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This is a natural fossil bed..mostly just mullosk fossils but you can sometimes find sharks teeth...I had no such luck but next time! I found a few really old shells. The water was freezing but it was 70 degrees out yesterday and we are crazy..so it works out.
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My camera's an underwater camera...so this is my attempt at trying to be artsy..? if that's what you'd call it.
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This picture had a point..ya know 'the we are one theme' from lion king. I just thought it was cool..my footprint next to a deers.
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This is the view from Mount Mitchell, that's sandy hook (gateway national park) and NYC skyline.
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and who would've known cactus grew here in NJ? It's the only cactus in the state on Sandy hook.
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Now yes, I am a dork, but the purpose of this picture is to show you just how deep that muck was. That stick was a foot longer before it was stuck in the mud. My friend accidently walked to far out and fell in. I don't even know what to call this thing. It was like the muck pit or the gate to hell or something. There were animals that were dead in it because they got stuck..a dead horseshoe crab. Alot of other crabs...it was really weird.
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Just a view.
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This is just a peek at the ugly little guys you can find chilling in the tide pools on Sandy hook..I somehow managed to get good shots of them simply sticking my camera in the water and taking a picture. I couldn't see what I was taking a picture of but it worked out well! They were so cooperative to, they didn't retreat into their shells.

Well that's all...hope you enjoyed!

Fun! Yes, many people only see New Jersey from the highway, or on TV, thanks for haring the prettier parts of it!

There are lots of beautiful spots in NJ - just as there are many not so beautiful spots - just like all states I guess.

I see you caught a shot of the NYC skyline. Did you happen to visit Twin Lights of Navesink? My granddaughter's boyfriend lives at the lighthouse, and his mother is curator there. My granddaughter has taken many amazing pics from the top of the light, including many of the NYC skyline. :)

Thanks guys! NJ really does have some pretty sites...where I live is pretty rural to so it's not to bad. The town I live in is a small farm town, really. We have a few big neighborhoods, and maybe 2 big shopping centers but that's about it for around here. It's pretty, but I like mountains and things like that. I am talking about North Jersey cities being pretty ugly...especially those ugly smokestacks...ugh. :p

Pom, I WISH we had time to go there! I had work till 11 so we got there pretty late after we were able to to everything. The parks in this county all close at dusk and it was already 5 when we got there. I plan on going back next off-season. I refuse to go in the summer when it's crowded from tourists from NY. It's horrendous getting on and off the Island. I'm sticking to the hard hikes in the summer so they won't be crowded and the easier ones in the fall. Of course, it's 10x hotter but it's also 10x less crowded.

You got some really great photos! Love the one of your foot print next to the deer print, and the underwater crabs - are those hermit crabs? Can't be, hermits don't like underwater. Oh well.

The mire, the muck, he heee, would be interesting to learn what that is called, eh?

I enjoyed this -- and I think in time, Mickey would, too! I mean, mostly he just wants to be with you, doesn't he? And having all those interesting things to smell are doggie heaven, lol. Thanks for sharing!

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Originally Posted by Freedom

You got some really great photos! Love the one of your foot print next to the deer print, and the underwater crabs - are those hermit crabs? Can't be, hermits don't like underwater. Oh well.

The mire, the muck, he heee, would be interesting to learn what that is called, eh?

I enjoyed this -- and I think in time, Mickey would, too! I mean, mostly he just wants to be with you, doesn't he? And having all those interesting things to smell are doggie heaven, lol. Thanks for sharing!

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Those are hermit crabs! Having owned them before, they do look very similar to the ones I've had, but slightly different...their eyes look farther apart. Weird..the pet hermits are called strawberry hermit crabs and they are mostly land. I guess this could be a different type?

LOL I'd love to bring Mikey. He is doing so good with his conditioning and trail training and I am excited about the places I'll be able to take him. My dad was talking about a weekend in the poconos..just the "boys", meaning him and Mikey once he's more experienced. Of course I'd be going too ;) He seems to be getting used to being around creeks and everything, I just haven't let him in them yet, although he often stands in the shallows, which is a HUGE improvement. It's been to cold to let him in.

I don't know if dogs are allowed on Sandy Hook in the summer..my friend said on the bayside. With my luck he'd wind up stuck in the muck pit from hell and I'd have to call the fire department or something similar!:rolleyes: LOL you know how these dogs act...especially the crazy ones:D *cough* WILLY! *cough*

My family is from NJ but I've never seen the scenic parts. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Alysser

I am talking about North Jersey cities being pretty ugly...especially those ugly smokestacks...ugh. :p

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How true! If you want to view the real armpit of NJ, hop on Amtrak and take the ride between Philly and NYC. ICK - ICK - ICK!:eek:

If you love the mountains (I definitely do), you'll have to get out to the Delaware Water Gap. We used to do some great hiking out there, trails available for every level of experience. Along the way there are a few waterfalls too. New Jersey has a few State Parks that are awesome.....Bass River, High Point, Allaire, the list continues. While I have nothing against the shore, I prefer the mountains. Travel safe and enjoy your visits!

My sister used to live in Hewitt N.J., right near the New York border and part of the appalachian trail came through almost crossing her back yard. We went there on a vacation and walked it in the early fall and it was beautiful with the leaves just turning.

Well who knew New Jersey could look a little like Tennessee :p. All the creeks and water and stuff remind me of the area around where my dad lives. I'm jealous your camera is an underwater camera, I've always wanted one of those. I like the crabs and footprint picture :)

Love the pictures, especially the deer track beside your footprint. And of course the fact that you have open water and can wade in it means you must be enjoying warmer weather than we are. Can't complain today, we have a high of 4 degrees so pretty mild out there. I guess it would be about 40F, spring must be around the corner unless we get the snow they are predicting...:(

Nice photos! It must be nice to be outside this time of year and it not be snowing and super cold D: