Mullica River Trail Hike

Enjoyed a 12 mile overnight hike last weekend along the Mullica River Trail. The trail runs through the South Jersey pines, following the Mullica River.  Temperature was perfect at about 68 degrees F during the day and in the 50’s at night.  Good sleeping weather.

The trail is smooth and easy but very sandy in spots.  The yellow trail travels east towards Batsto from the Atsion ranger station.

The area is near to the Batona Trail so the sights are very similar.  The Lower Forge Camp is a few miles away, but that camp has no water.  Mullica River Camp has one pump and two pit privies.

The woods are dense and filled with pitch pines, common to the area, and there is wildlife but they are well hidden during the day.  I did hear an owl who woke me up in the middle of the night.  I was sure he was just outside the tent!

And some water…

Textures of the Beach

Natural beauty is everywhere if we just slow down and look closely.

Wow! What is that?

It’s a bird, it’s a moth, it’s a bee, no…it’s a Clear Wing Hummingbird Moth!  That’s right.  It’s a moth that can fly like a hummingbird!  This moth can actually hover and drink nectar from flowers.  It looks like a cross between a bee and a moth and flies like a bird.  How cool is that?

I found one near my home and it was kind enough to let me get close and take some photos.

It is part of the Sphingidae family.  Other common names in this family are hawk moths, sphinx moths, and horn worms.

Happiness is…

Watching the baby birds grow.  It is nice that the mother bird decided that a tree branch about four feet off the ground was the ideal place to make a nest.  We noticed the nest from creation to almost ready to fly.

My four year old (or four and a half as he would say) enjoys checking them out on a daily basis.

It’s amazing how fast they grow!  It looks like they are singing an opera.

In reality, they are saying, Feed me!!!!

We are happy they are here and will be sorry to see them go…

Happy Anniversary!

The blog is one year old!  Time flies when you are living life.  Thanks to all who view, follow or like my posts and blog.  I appreciate your interest and continued support.

I started the blog primarily for hiking and it quickly became more about life experiences and photos along the way.  I hope you have enjoyed something when you came to visit.  It’s nice to share and even nicer when someone is interested in what you enjoy.

Thanks again!