Trail Rides and Snowy Pines

Nestled in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands. fresh snow blankets the fire trails and pine trees of Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in this black and white wide angle photograph.
Trail Rides and Snowy Pines — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/30

If literal titles are your thing, this post is for you.

In a shocking turn of events I woke up early this morning. 5:00 a.m. to be precise. Outside of snowfall and fishing, it’s a tall order to release me from the grip of my warm bed during morning hours. Unless we’re talking about work—which I seldom necessitates my waking up too early. Alas a morning person I am not.

Sleep be damned, with the excitement of fresh powder during a snow starved year there was no way I was going to miss this opportunity. Even if the wind chills resembled something you’d more likely feel defending your hidden rebel base on Hoth—and that’s without an odiferous Tauntaun to warm your bones. But I digress.

As I am decidedly lacking in snow photographs I have to exploit all opportunities to shoot it that I am given. The small body of snowfall work is the culprit of a three-part beast: 1) snow can be hard to come by in coastal Ocean County; which relates to reason 2) that I just don’t have enough experience making photographs of snow; and 3) my vehicle is simply too unsafe to drive in snow.

Fortunately today at least two of the mitigating factors were addressed: a widespread swath of 4″–6″ blanketed Ocean County into the early hours this morning, and I had Jon Carr drive in his Jeep Cherokee. And so it was, Wawa coffees in hand, embarking on a predawn journey into the Pinelands. Much of the next two hours consisted of minimal photography but maximum enjoyment. While great scenes with dramatic light were hardly reaching out to grab us, we just cruised the trails (re: made a bunch of wrong turns) like we’ve done so many times with our crew over these past 17 years. I’m a huge fan of the New Jersey Pinelands regardless of the season, but there’s just something special when they’re draped in snow.


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2 responses to “Trail Rides and Snowy Pines”

  1. Carol Lane Avatar
    Carol Lane

    Just discovered your blog, am sure I’ll enjoy this as much as your photography! This is another way for me to stay in touch with NJ.
    I moved back to PA after many years in Avalon – miss the birds, bay, marshes, AND The Wetlands Institute. However, real trees, hills, and yes, snow, are also a visual treat!

    Carol Lane
    Camp Hill, PA

  2. Greg Molyneux Avatar
    Greg Molyneux

    Hi, Carol! I’m happy to see you’ve found this place and like what you see. If I can help bring a little bit of New Jersey goodness to Camp Hill, PA, I’ll feel as though I am doing my job.

    Real trees, hills, and snow is something my camera and me could use a little more of.

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