Sometimes we feel adventurous, thus we go looking for that something special to do. On Saturday September 29, 2012 we paid a visit to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Our destination was preplanned to visit the Safari, since effective October 1, 2012 the Safari will no longer be a drive-thru experience. The park advertises it has a 350 acre home to more than 1200 exotic animals. It has been a number of years since my last visit, and actually not much had changed, but in 2013 a complete renovation of the Safari will have taken place. Guests will now ride in what appears to be an all terrain vehicle. The ride will still give a close-up animal experience. Some photos might not have the crispness due to photographing thru the car window.
The sign is a nice welcome to the forthcoming four and a half miles traveling at twelve miles per hour thru the Safari acreage. The road twists and winds and visual view is very seldom impaired by the other vehicles.
This fellow was somewhat of a show-off. His legs appeared very strong and powerful. The animals were able to walk freely between cars and they weren't distracted by anything or anyone.
There were quite a few elephants in the herd, and these two were entertaining each other. The ears were fanning for coolness and dirt and dust was really airborne.
As you can see the giraffe put the cars at a complete stop, not because of a feeling of danger, but because of the fantastic view of such a graceful animal being part of the experience.
The truck body had food for the giraffes. These vehicles are on patrol at all times. It is mandatory that park guests comply with a Guest Code of Conduct, one being-----Do Not Feed the Animals.
The rhino was monstrous in size. It was evident everyone stopped to let him cross the road.
It was a hazy lazy day for the lions. They seemed to take care of each other.
Black bears, brown bears, they had just been fed and were mostly interested in what the park attendant had left them. All bears were not contained, some were able to walk freely.
I rather feel this fellow wanted his picture taken, since he has the perfect pose.
And so our ride has been completed, but I will be looking forward to next year and visit the Safari after renovations have been completed.
Unfortunately we often hear of the devastation and often loss of life flooding can cause. On September 5, 2012 the local TV stations meteorologists forcasted rain that could be heavy at times. Well, the rain came along with steady strikes of lightening. Apparently, we had a very slow moving storm cell directly overhead. In the awakening hours the rain finally subsided. The rain gauge indicated we had fifteen inches and that much rain in such a short period of time caused considerable concern especially with the cranberry farmers who are getting ready for harvest. The following photos depict some of the havoc the storm caused.
This particular bridge takes you into Wharton State Forest, where canoeists, hikers, and campers are invited to enjoy nature at its best.
The bridge was closed for several days, since the State of New Jersey required an evaluation as to its safety. The water was approximately ten feet above normal level.
The rushing water over powered the river where you see the orange cones. There was no alternative but to close the road until the water subsided.
This scene shows the rushing water going over the Harrisville Dam. Generally it's a tranquil river, used for canoeing and kayaking. The threatening clouds were dark and uninvited.
These two Ocean Spray grower-owners were researching what impact the storm had on their farms, and that of their friends and neighbors. Thankfully, they had smiles on their faces indicating things for them could have been worse.
The water from a local lake pours into gates, then it follows the stream to Harrisville Lake. The water appeared angry and gave one that stay away feeling.
Here we see cranberries on a cranberry bog gate. These berries are supposed to be in the bog, but the high water over took the bog, raised the water level and flooded the bog.
This photograph shows the loss of one of the grower's dams. It caused all stored water to be released, flooding areas and causing necessary reservoirs to empty.
The emptied reservoir showed a very unusual sight. It takes a lot of work to restore the dams and acquire new water for the harvest season.
This young couple were on fish patrol. They were rescuing small sunfish that had been deposited in a driveway from a high level reservoir. They did an excellent job and for the little fish they saved the day.
Several years have passed since I visited Smithville and the Village Greene. My friend and I had to take advantage of a beautiful end of summer day and we decided to stroll and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of Smithville. The Towne is located in Galloway Township New Jersey, Route 9 and Moss Mill Road is the official address. It is only twenty minutes from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Most people enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, unique shoppes, seven eateries, bakery, and special events throughout the year. The shoppe keepers are extremely friendly, they greet you with a smile and a welcome not often found in other stores. Perhaps that is why a person feels they can browse without feeling the necessity to make a purchase. Each shoppe has unique items and sometimes one might find that special something you have been looking for. In May and October of each year over 100 crafters take part in presenting their creativity. Since this takes place outdoors, everyone hopes for a bright sunny day.
It was a quiet day at the helm. The little boats were resting waiting for the children to return on the weekend.
,
When I looked at these unique birdhouses, my mind's thought was--I can make these. Then reality set in and I thought it's easier to buy one.
Dear Merlin waits to tell your fortune, all you need to do is contribute several quarters. Perhaps a vacation, a new acquaintance, or an inheritance could be in your future. I would be happy with the lottery numbers.
The excitement of the carousel captures the wonders of childhood. It also was quiet, since school has begun and not very many children were on the Greene that day.
,
This was very eye appealing, the weaving of the branches to imitate the majestic nest of the American eagle was very beautiful against a blue sky background.
Go Team Go!! There were many other teams represented, but the Philadelphia Eagles had to take center stage.
The brick path takes you to the little shoppes which are real treasures. Perhaps a stop at the butterfly, jewelry, bakery, candle, Christmas decorations shop might interest you. There are sixty shops to enjoy.
The water-wheel could use a "little repair." Second thought, it adds character to picture taking.
A covered bridge is a new addition to the scene. The railroad tracks are used by a train that takes visitors around the area. Both young and old appear to enjoy the ride.
The bathtub was very interesting. The gentle breeze sent the bubbles on their way.
Crossing the bridge gave a nice view of this shoppe. Although the water had a green appearance, the building's reflection in the water made a nice scene.
Scoop's ice cream is waiting for you. So many flavors to choose from, you are sure to satisfy your palate with a double dip ice cream cone.
f
North, south, east or west, any direction will take you to a place you will enjoy.
This little fellow was having a nice swim. There were other fowls on the lake but he was doing his own thing----like me having a nice day.
Labor Day has come and gone, hummingbirds have made their departure to the south, mornings are cool, and days are becoming shorter. Yes, a new season is approaching and I am happy because fall is my favorite time of the year. My garden is beginning to experience the cycle of seasons. The birds are quieter and there are fewer insects and animals to photograph. In the evening the sounds of crickets dominate the quiet of the outdoors. Crickets are fine when outdoors, but when one finds it's way indoors the hunt must begin because the rhythmic chirping can become somewhat annoying. I have always been fascinated on how the temperature affects the time between chirps. Nature apparently provided them with an internal thermometer. As as for me, I must use the man made one. Enjoy life in my garden, because I do.
This little ruby throat hummingbird made a perfect landing. He certainly wasn't camera shy.
Hummingbirds require energy-rich flower nectar or a substitute which I provide with a sugar and water solution. The birds are around the feeders most of the day, They are visible early in the morning until late in the evening .
We see you!
The koi are quite active. They are feed twice a day and they keep growing and growing. It becomes rather expensive in the course of a year to feed them, but they are very special and these are the residents of one of two ponds.
Some moths grow big in New Jersey, I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to capture his/her pose.
Beep-Beep is no longer with us. He took the place of having a guard dog. In his little mind he thought he was in charge and I guess he was.
The laurel invites the bee to it's sweet nectar. Maybe he has stayed a little to long; he looks a little over weight.
The holly tree is humming with the sound of honey bees. The female tree provides beauty, food, and prickly leaves.
The koi pond has a net over the water to keep out unwanted guests. This frog was certainly welcome as he playfully hopped about.
Dragonflies are always visible, since they like being around the ponds. When they land on a still object their appearance is sometimes iridescent. Their eyes are large for such a small creature but that is better to see you with.
