Middlesex Greenway Paved Bike Trail

We finally got around to biking the 7 mile round trip Middlesex Greenway Paved Bike Trail. 

It was much nicer than we expected.  The trail was in great condition and there were informational plaques every so often. It wasn't the most scenic trail we have ever been on but it was still pretty good. 

Bridge over Route 1

End of the line

Admiring the View

Raritan River Towpath Near Johnson Park

It's been a long time since we were on the towpath. The jungle of poison ivy it had turned into kept us away.

But after we scrapped our Palisades hike this morning because wet slippery leaves and sheer drop-offs don't go well together, and after about seven washes and lots of house cleaning got done, the weather cleared up a little and we wanted to do at least something outdoors. So we went to check out the towpath. We figured if it was still really bad we could just walk in Johnson Park.

We were very happy to see that a lot of work has been done on the towpath. The path has been resurfaced and tons of vegetation cut back. I had to look hard to see poison ivy.

Walking Tour of New Brunswick

We took a walking tour of New Brunswick in September

Looking at my photos, I think doorways were the highlight of the tour for me.

Study in Black, White, and Gray

Best of the Edison Flower Show 2014

The flower displays at the Edison flower show seemed even weaker than usual. They were basically showcases for landscapers' construction projects:

 Though some were not...

The most interesting stuff was what was for sale ...

I had a nice talk with members of the North Jersey Butterfly Club who gave me some free milkweed seeds.

Paterson Great Falls in Winter

Was in Paterson Wednesday on business. Stopped off to see the falls.  

 I am not one to pass up a visitor center so I also stopped at the Great Falls Historic District Cultural Center .

  

Had a lot of fun talking to Glenn Hutton, the guy manning the place.

He had a lot to say on many subjects (one of which was all his various hobbies).  Maybe he was so chatty because he doesn't get many visitors there (the previous signature in the sign in book was from 2 days earlier).  He embarrassed me into taking every one of the handouts (he was watching carefully and pointed out any I missed).

He also had a very interesting conversation with two public works employees with whom he had previously been clearing snow outside, and who had followed us in. Part of the conversation was about what was uncovered when they were digging on the grounds to plant rose bushes.

The neighborhood is a bit sketchy so if you go, it is probably better to go during business hours and keep an eye open.

Other pictures from the area:

Alexander Hamilton

Once in a Blue Moon - Canoeing and Kayaking the Meadowlands With Hackensack Riverkeeper

Stupendous full moon canoe/kayak Tuesday evening in the Meadowlands with the awesome Hackensack Riverkeeper

At the dock in Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus

The "Before" picture

That's the eastern spur of NJ Turnpike in the background

Tree full of black crowned night herons 

One World Trade Center and lower Manhattan 

John,  lead guide

Narrowish channel

Eastern Spur NJ Turnpike

Loved the reflections of the sky in the water! 

We were near Newark

These might have been egrets

Empire State Building in red on lower right

One World Trade Center 

Headlamps for safety - if you get lost, it helps them find you