Good Times

On Memorial Day, in the spur of the moment, I had the idea to drive out to the Ken Lockwood Gorge in Annandale, New Jersey. I visited the Gorge last spring on a photo-walk and thought it might be an exciting place to take the family while also getting in a few shots of the Gorge. The kids and I packed a picnic cooler with sodas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and some fruit. I called Bhavana, and she left work a little early. Ken Lockwood Gorge is about a one hour drive from Skillman.

Many other folks had the same idea. The parking area was full and overflowing. I found a spot at the gate at the south entrance to the Gorge, and we walked in toward the northern end. Bhavana was happy that the path was clear and well maintained and that we had a canopy of trees to provide shade.

We found a flat rock out in the river and skipped across the rocks to set up for our lunch. We had fun hanging out, relaxing, chatting about school and college, life etc. I am hoping that events like this bring us close as a family and provide fond memories for the kids.

It was a hot and humid day. Our picnic lasted about an hour before Bhavana, and the kids had had enough. We packed up and took a long slow walk back to the car. Of course, the walk back took longer. I had to stop and capture some long exposure images.

I want to do more family outings like this. Growing up in St. Vincent and Bequia, I have fond memories of hopping into the back of my uncles Land Rover with my cousins and going on day-long adventures. My Uncle Clifford took us to the top of La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent. My Uncle Errol took us out crabbing in the mangrove swamps of Bequia. Good times.