Sourland Mountain Preserve

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This past week has been extremely hot, averaging into the high 80s and mid 90s. I did not really wish to go outside in such unbearably hot weather, but my dad and I decided to just go for a drive around the back woods. We came across the Sourland Mountain Preserve on East Mountain Road. We had never been there before, so with camera in hand we entered this beautiful park.

The weather particularly was very nice after we entered the forest trails. It began to rain slightly, and it turned the hot and arid atmosphere into a very lush and lively one. According to the visitor's brochure we picked up, Sourland Mountain Preserve is a huge span of land, spanning more than three thousand acres, and is famous for its rock outcroppings (which I unfortunately was unable to take pictures of due to the rain). As we traversed into the depths of the park, I was awed by the beauty of the tall trees. The way the light shined through the trees created a special aura that made me very transfixed and interested.

The pictures posted above are from the very beginning of the trails. As we moved further into the park I did not wish to risk damaging my camera to the rain. However, I was very awed by the rock outcrops. First of all, it was amazing how nature had carved these giants over years of erosion and constant reshaping. Secondly, the mere giganticness of the rocks and the various shapes they created gave a sense of natural grandeur. I plan on returning there again to properly photograph them.

Here are some of the photos I chose from this collection. As a side note, I have added a picture of yet another white-tailed deer which I came across in the woods. It is out of focus because it was so far away but I like the expression on its face of attentiveness and curiosity.

*None of these photos have been edited*