Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Nature Notes: Washington Valley Park

Washington Valley Reservoir
On Sunday we visited Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Our friend found the hike on the website njhiking.com; I had never heard of the park before. Pictured is the lovely reservoir at the bottom of the hiking area.

red trail at Washington Valley Park, Bridgewater, New Jersey
We decided in advance to follow the red trail – it wasn’t always easy to see these markings for the trail on the trees.

plants at Washington Valley Park
I saw a variety of plants growing – no idea what this striped little plant is called.

Red berries barberry bush at Washington Valley Park, New Jersey
I recognized these red oval berries from my childhood – I looked up the bush (red berries with thorns is what I looked for in Google Images), and I learned this is called a barberry bush.

moss washington valley park
I rather liked this plant inside moss that I found on the trail.

stream at Washington Valley Park
There were various streams on our hike that led into the reservoir. The girls (my daughter and friend) had fun hopping over the rocks.

hawk at Washington Valley Park
When we got to the top of the hill on the trail, we were rewarded with views of hawks flying overhead.

washington valley view
You could see quite a distance from the top – the fall colors have faded, but they are still varied, though muted.

For more Nature Notes:
Nature Notes

Robin from Israel says

The colors of the foliage have faded but are still quite lovely that way. Softer. Nice one Leora.

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Carver says

Thanks for taking us with you on this beautiful walk.

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Ilana-Davita says

Your photos are both beautiful and varied. The colors are still quite stunning. How long was the walk?

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Leora says

It was only a two mile hike. A good amount for three tired adults who sorely need fresh air and two boisterous girls who were two tired girls by the end.

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Mrs. S. says

Looks - and sounds - like a fun trip!

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Patrice P says

Gorgeous fall photos!

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EG Wow says

Great walk, Leora. You saw quite a few interesting plants...considering the time of year. :)

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Michelle says

Wow..what a beautiful view..You should print that one and hang it up... I hadn't heard of that plant but of course you remember when I didn't know what a black-eyed susan was...LOL..I have learned a few things...Michelle

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Kala says

That last photo looks a bit like a painting it's so gorgeous!

Great shots.

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Leora says

Maybe I will take out my paints on Sunday and try to paint this - after we rake up all the leaves in our backyard.

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Laura says

This looks so beautiful (my favorite picture is the last, but I love the moss and barberries, too). My husband want to go on a trip like this--I'm going to send him the link.

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Eileen says

Lovely nature scenes! I love the moss and the berries. Great photos. Have a wonderful day!

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Arija says

A lovely hike. I particularly like the more muted colours of the late fall.

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