December 19 - 26
Hark the Herald!
The High Point monument; photo from the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress.
A winter landscape and ancient holiday traditions blend to evoke a sense of wonder, reflection, and renewal as the winter solstice officially greets the new season on Saturday, December 21.
Tripod Rock on Pyramid MountainThe annual solstice seems to have inspired ancient people to observe the year's shortest day with carefully aligned markers on a sight-line that points to the sun's low point in the sky. The most famous of these is Stonehenge in England, but there are local monuments that may have had a similar function. On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, overhanging rocks form a shelter perfectly placed to observe the sun rise out of the center of the Water Gap on the winter solstice. A large obelisk protruding from the earth near Hainesville in Sussex County might have been similarly used. And three “sighting stones” near Mt. Bethel in Warren County seem to align with the winter solstice sunrise. Along the shore of Mountain Lake in White Township is a large flat rock outcropping on which legend claims the Lenape stood in ceremony to “bring up the sun”.
And the 170-ton Tripod Rock resting on top of Morris County’s Pyramid Mountain suggests use as a "calendar site" long ago.
The Owls Have It
Snowy Owl. (Brian E. Kushner, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
During the winter months fewer people venture outside to explore the forests. What many don't realize is that this season opens up a whole new opportunity for the nature lover. Since the canopy of leaves is gone, there is visibility for spotting owls. Owls draw us in with their big, soulful eyes and luxuriously soft-looking feathers, and we appreciate how that spark of interest can be nurtured into the type of informed appreciation that leads to conservation action. These amazing birds have earned their moment of fame and the platform it provides for education. Wisdom on the fly!
Watershed Moments
Pohatcong Creek flows past the historic Hixson-Skinner Mill near Springtown.
Geologic record helps understand the human history and impacts of settlement and lifestyles in each of our watersheds, which take on regional characteristics of their own, connecting communities by a shared vital resource. The intrinsic appeal of their landscapes is enhanced by a heaping portion of openly accessible recreation facilities, either publicly owned or privately managed with the visitor in mind.
Following Pohatcong Mountain, another of the many Appalachian ridges that run through Warren County, the Pohatcong Watershed lies parallel and between those of the Musconetcong River to the south and the Pequest to the north. Follow the river!
Yuletide Carols
Choose from thousands of Beautiful Christmas Trees on this family-run farm on reserved farmland. Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Scotch Pine Fraser Fir, Canaan fir, Douglas Fir. Crafters and wagon rides on weekends! 77 Jackson Valley Rd., Washington. (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Embark on a festive journey through creativity and craftsmanship at Peters Valley School of Craft! The gallery at Peters Valley has transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland brimming with new work from incredibly talented artists. If for some reason you can't make the trip through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area to 19 Kuhn Road. in Layton, you can access the artists' work on line.
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For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website. Choose your own adventure!
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