Welcome to Washington Valley Park, Gilbride Road trailhead in Bridgewater, NJ. Last Saturday dawned clear and mild, the perfect day for a much needed walk outdoors after being cooped up inside for (what seemed like) most of the winter.
I arrived around mid-morning and parked in the dirt lot which overlooks a road overpass. The stream flowing beneath the bridge was full and gurgling and the air seemed mild and filled with moisture. This increase in humidity, in contrast to the cooler, drier days of winter, always reminds me of spring. As soon as I exited my vehicle, two jays burst out of the trees above me. They caused a ruckus with their loud cries, filling the air with sound for a few moments, before quiet returned.
I began walking up the trail towards the Hawk Watch Area, to the south. I was thrilled to be out in the open air after so many days spent dreaming indoors. The beautiful clear light reflected off the ice still melting slowly in the shade. Shadows seemed very black and tangible beneath the feathery green evergreen branches.
The trail towards the Hawk Watch area borders the water, which turns into a falls (Buttermilk Falls on the park map) after the East Branch Reservoir. On the other side is a steep hill covered in stones and boulders, perfect for reptiles and amphibians to bask upon or hide under in warmer weather.
All along the trail, tiny signs of greenery indicate the proximity of the spring season.
As I neared the main reservoir, I passed by a trio of Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). While most ducks in New Jersey are accustomed to humans to the point that they swim over expecting a hand out, this group in particular must have been out-of-towners - they consistently resisted my attempts to photograph them. Instead, as I approached, they leaped into the air quaking wildly and flew downstream. Even when I attempted a sneak attack through the trees they immediately sensed my presence and fled.
Like zebras on the Serengeti, the best photo I could get of them was from behind, as they moved away from me.
At the far point of the trail that day, I reached the East Branch Reservoir. The creek widens and deepens here before going over the falls.
When the water flow is low enough, one can cross the reservoir on s series of flat stones and rocks that span its width. It is often a bit tricky to get across with dry feet -it depends upon how many of the rocks are above the water line. But I enjoy the challenge and I have allow it to lure me back to the area often.
On this occassion, I chose to skip the crossing and loop back to the parking area on the same side of the water. I admired the green color of the water and wondered exactly what process of ice melt, fermentation and water flow had produced the white foam on the surface.
Then it was time to loop back down the trail towards my vehicle. While the trees are all leafless now, I can imagine the change that will take place to this scene once the canopy has grown back for another season. Both views are equally beautiful to my eyes.
This particular trail has just one steep hill. This is the western side of the reservoir, and the trail is mostly flat. However if you would like to climb over logs and boulders you may wish to try the trail along the eastern shore.
As I neared the parking area, I paused to admire the view from the overpass. The view south is where the image on the far right of this blog was taken. Looking down on the northern side here I am, giving you a wave from the bridge.
One way I determine if it has been a good hike is by how dirty I get - the more dirt the more fun you are having. Here is one of my muddy boots after I rinsed as best I could in the stream. Looks like this was good one.
Despite the fair weather last weekend, the rain is storming down quite spectacularly this Saturday morning. I am hoping for more sun (and more fun with the extra hour of daylight) next week. See you on the trail (once it stops raining)!
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