Cindy and I explored some more of Hunterdon County yesterday. Driving along its country roads we were rewarded with farms and scenic views, mansions on the outskirts of tiny towns with turn of the century houses and quaint stores. As we continued, we spotted a park on the top of a mountain. We had a destination.

The sign said we had arrived at Teetertown Nature Preserve. Standing in the parking lot we could see the valley unfold before us. It was beautiful. Unpacking camera, lenses and tripod from the car, we stopped briefly to grab a trail map and headed off. What a wondrous series of unexpected surprises we encountered. There were lush fields of wildflowers and stunted trees bordered by cooling forest canopies. The trail was lined by babbling brooks with mini waterfalls that welcomed a hot hiker to sit and cool off. We saw deer, lots of birds and every just about every type of native butterfly. The park even has campsites, stocked with firewood and warnings that this was bear country, as well as a little lake stocked with trout.

Hours later, exhausted and happy, we made it back to the car. The only thing needed to complete the day was an ice cream cone. We remembered that we had past one a few miles back. It was late, around dinner time, so we agreed that we would start with dessert. Unfortunately, the local Ice Cream store was closed, so we settled for Ritas ices closer to home.

Teetertown Nature Preserve is located just outside of Calaphon, a quaint town bisected by the Raritan River. It is one of about six parks in the area. This is the type of place we could call home.

This Great Spangled Fritillary was just one of the many species of butterflies we saw this day. I will be posting more pictures of the adventure over the course of the week. I hope you enjoy.