Andrew,

I often ponder how little space we each individually take up and absolutely love walking through nature... being outside... stopping to listen....

When we were looking for a house to buy, one of the things that I really insisted on was some yard.  I got more by actually have some woods behind the house and one of my favorite things to do is just go walk around out there.... especially at night.  My own little piece of the planet.

These are some really nice pictures.  Thanks for brining me outdoors today.

Andrew,

How true! The space is getting smaller everyday.

It really looks tranquil by you. When you think of New Jersey you start thinking turn pikes, and busy towns. Not really the case I am beginning to put together. The pictures are really nice.The pictures are like some of the farm pictures i posted last night in my response to MEME'd

Andrew, Merry Christmas, and I hope you have a major, and I mean a major 2008.

Sincerely

Tom and Lars from Wisconsin

Shades of gray. How lovely and apt. Your photos give me the sense that I am trudging around in boots along side you. I'm thankful for our preservation heritage here in Oregon. Refreshing to see that this is the case in your neck of the woods as well.

Andrew- Some of my clients will receive a book on local parks, hiking trails, and other points of interest on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  I've already posted pictures of some of my favorites, but my 2008 posts will include many more.  A hike in the hills has resolved more than one real estate mess--great nature pics.

How very beautiful, Andrew. I miss that particular palette...Thank you for a glimpse of parks with seasons, and mists and the cold:-)

You are giving me the big picture of the Garden State.  The TV and movie images are almost exclusively New Jersey city shots.  I'd heard rumors that there was another New Jersey.  Camping, who knew?    The meadow you captured is so beautiful.  Monmouth County sounds like a great place to get the best of both worlds, city and country life. 
I am lucky to live surrounded by the largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city.  I don't think that anyone would think of L.A. the way I see it every day.  Please keep sharing your photos with us.

Andrew, I had no idea you had such beautiful parks.  I really have not been that familiar with your area of the country.  I have heard it called the Garden State but I guess I had never thought of the why. 

Our daughter is now living in Queens so we are starting to get more familiarized with your part of the world.

Hi Andrew,
Great photos and localism post.  Not at all what I think about when I hear New Jersey (Gerrze--according to the transplants) and as I have only passed through on the turnpikes, my perception is flawed.

Martin, I read once that we're all living in a giant jungle or forest. I also walk around at night. Very peaceful.

Tom and Lars, It is funny that so many folks think New Jersey is this toxic wasteland. Wait til I post some pictures of the beaches here. Not the islands but very pretty.

Jennifer, Can't wait to get out to Oregon and Washington. Good friends go every year. They love your area. They stayed in a treehouse village with rope ladders and open air huts.

Norma, I'm with you. After a hike the little annoyances du jour retain less power over me.

Inna, You're welcome. Even though I'm a native Nuyawker I'm proud of Jersey.

Elaine, I'd never think there was a forest in L.A. Can you post some more photos of the wildlands?

Marchel, Well now that family are up here you can see another refraction from the prism so to speak.

Cynthia, Everyone loves the turnpike as the image of the state. We have so much more. Thanks for the comment.

Mr. Lenza - Sometimes I do miss nature, as I grew up in an area where it was bountiful.  I always enjoy going back, as there is no substitute for that which is so beautiful and was created without our hand.

Hi Andrew - this was such a beautiful nature hike that I included it in this week's Week in Review.

Ann

Nice pictures, Andrew, and a very nice localism post.  Makes me want to put on the wellies and go for a walk - except all I would see is lots of white, nature clothed in white.  Mmmm,,,Maybe I will go, it sure is peaceful with lots of fresh snow.

Jason, strap on the boots, grab a water bottle and go, my friend. Even if you have to drive 30 minutes.

Ann, WOW! You made my day. I have to hike over to your blog right now. Thank you kindly.

Bonnie, Snow is cool, too. Wellies are all the rage right now in N.J. We're getting our fashion groove on ... finally!

Nice and refreshing, thanks for the pictures.  Happy New Year.

THis is really beautiful... now I see why it's called the Garden State.... oh, so peaceful....I want to live there