Rustic Red Barn on Mountain View Road

It was one of those winter days where the air was crisp, and the light was just perfect.

After visiting the Kingston Grist Mill, I decided to drive to Zion Crossing Park on Hollow Road. I couldn't remember taking any pictures of the park in the snow, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity. I planned to take Cherry Valley Road to Greatown-Franklin Turnpike (CR-518) to get to Hollow Road. However, while driving, I suddenly realized that there might be some great photography opportunities on Mountain View Road. So I turned off Cherry Valley Road onto the southern end of Mountain View Road.

There are no sidewalks or shoulders on the old country roads of Montgomery Township. Parking and stopping on the grassy areas on Mountain View Road can be difficult, especially with the possibility of ice under fresh snow. To take a photo, I made a U-turn and parked my Acura as close to the edge of the road as possible. Then, I put on the flashers and quickly grabbed my Fuji camera, which was still attached to the tripod. I ran over to the corner, roughly the same spot where I took a photo a few years ago, and set up the tripod to capture the moment.

Standing on the familiar spot on Mountain View Road, I surveyed the serene scene unfolding before my eyes. It was one of those winter days where the air was crisp, and the light was just perfect, creating a scene that looked as if it were painted.

The subject of my photo, a rustic red barn, sat amidst a sea of fresh snow. I found it hard not to be drawn to the charm of this barn with its vibrant red panels that seemed to glow against the stark, white landscape. The snow lay thick on the ground, untouched in many places, giving the scene a pure, undisturbed look.

Rustic Red Barn in the snow
17 February 2024 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

There's a stately tree to the left, bare and beautiful in its dormancy, with branches that stretch up into the sky like the delicate lines of a drawing. This tree, along with the others at the edge of the frame, forms a natural border that frames the barn wonderfully, creating a composition that feels balanced and inviting.

The sky is a masterpiece in itself, with clouds that are soft and fluffy, creating a dynamic backdrop of varying shades of blue and grey. The clouds seem to whisper the possibility of more winter weather to come, adding a sense of anticipation to the stillness.

In the distance, other buildings hint at farm life beyond what my eye can see. The shadows cast by the trees on the snow add depth to the photo, highlighting the contours of the land and the texture of the season.

Capturing this photograph, I felt a connection to the landscape and a deep appreciation for the quiet beauty of the moment.

The Kingston Grist Mill and the Snow

It's mid-February as I write this.

It's mid-February as I write this, and I've just realized I haven't posted any new photos on the blog since October. I've been feeling a bit down lately. Between health issues in 2018 and 2019 and the pandemic lockdown, it's been a rough few years. I'm feeling pretty burned out. My last real break was a spring break trip to see my dad in 2017.

Career-wise, things haven't been going as planned. Finding work in security architecture locally has been tough, and it looks like I might need to start commuting to New York City again.

The pandemic has hit me harder than I'd like to admit. My social circles, which used to meet up in person, have gone virtual, and it feels like we might not meet face-to-face again. I miss those casual pub gatherings after meetings. To be honest, life has been quite challenging lately, and I can't help feeling a bit bitter.

I've mostly stayed home, binge-watching shows, except for my weekly brewery visit. But staying indoors isn't good for me. Without getting outside, how will I find inspiration for my photography? This Saturday morning, I decided it was time for a change. I grabbed my tripod, attached my XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR and L-bracket, and went out for a drive.

My first stop was the Kingston Grist Mill in the Kingston Village Historic District. As I positioned my camera, the contrast between the rich, red facade of the mill and the snow-draped surroundings was too enchanting to pass by without capturing.

The mill, with its deep crimson wood, is one of my favourite subjects. Its dark shingled roof, sprinkled with a light dusting of snow, houses a row of dormer windows. Their white trim reflects the day's soft light, providing a (false) sense of warmth against the cold.

The wooden bridge leading to the mill is a remnant of Lincoln Highway (now Route 27). The Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways for automobiles across the United States, stretches across many states, from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.

Beside the bridge, the remnants of snowfall cling to the rough bark of trees, and beyond the mill, leafless branches reach toward the sky, forming silhouettes against the clouds. The sky itself is a dynamic backdrop, showing a brilliant blue with clouds that are fluffy and white.

There's a calm in this scene, a gentle reminder for me to enjoy the slow pace of winter days.

Oakflower Brewing in Millington

Following a suggestion from Flounder Brewing, Bhavna and I visited Oakflower Brewing in Millington.

After we told the head brewer at Flounder Brewing about our negative experience at Burnt Mills Cider Company, he said, "Why didn't you just go to Oakflower?". As it happens, Oakflower Brewing Company is a 20-minute drive from Burnt Mills Cider Company. But we didn't know that at the time. As we packed up to head home from our most recent visit to Mills Cider Company, Bhavna remembered that conversation, and we made new plans.

We had no expectations, but we were happy we made the trip. Oakflower is located in Millington across from the Millington Station. Based on what I read online, Millington is a small, charming community within Long Hill Township in Morris County.

Breeze (kellerbier ) and Station (Kölsch) · 16 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

Millington Station is a commuter rail stop on NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch of the Morris & Essex Lines. It provides residents with convenient access to New York City and surrounding areas.

We found free parking on the street just outside the brewery. The tap room at Oakflower is small, with a tiny bar area. Four-person1 Tables and chairs are placed throughout the tap room. It was cosy and comfortable, with the late afternoon sun providing warmth through the large glass windows. The tap list is small, with about ten beers.

16 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

We chatted briefly with the friendly tap server before ordering two flights. Our server explained that flights were limited to two 3 oz pours so patrons could enjoy the beer cold. I like that. Bhavna had a flight of two New England pale ales (Ring 6 and Borrowed Time), while I had a flight that included a Kellerbier called Breeze and a Kölsch called Station.

Ringboiz: Internet Cicerone and Double Ring IPA, Lammy Lager, First Cup Coffee Stout · 16 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

We finished that flight and ordered a second flight. Bhavna ordered a flight of two IPAs, the Ringboiz: Internet Cicerone and Double Ring. I sampled some of her beers. They are as good as some Troon and Root + Branch NEIPA I have tried. Ringboiz: Internet Cicerone is a collaboration with Hazeboiz. I had the First Cup for my second flight, an Oatmeal stout conditioned on Burundian coffee from Barrister Coffee House and Lammy, a Munich-style Helles lager. Barrister Coffee House is a cafe and roastery in Basking Ridge.

16 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

Shaan didn't have any beer of her own. She chose to sample what we had.

This first visit was a positive experience. I want to go back.


  1. I recognise Flounder Brewing has ample space with long tables. I love the community feel of German beer halls, and I sometimes wish Americans embraced that open, communal spirit more readily. ?