Whispers of Golden Light in Skillman Park

A walk in Skillman Park, exploring the trails along the outer edge.

The weather was perfect for a stroll, so I suggested to Bhavna that we go for a walk in Skillman Park. I recommended we explore the trails along the outer edge since I had already checked them out earlier in the year, and I thought she would enjoy something new.

As we began walking on the winding trail that skirts the far perimeter of Skillman Park, a gentle breeze "sweetened" the air.

The trail starts at Lake Drive and follows Rock Brook until its boundary at the Burnt Hill Road bridge. Our trek took us further into the park, where we encountered meadows filled with wildflowers that added vibrant whites, yellows, and pinks to the landscape.

Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR

We walked up to the edge of the Rock Brook. Rock Brook is a tributary of the Millstone River, a part of the larger Raritan River watershed. The brook is named after the rock formations found along its course. It meanders through Montgomery Township and significantly impacts the local environment. Rock Brook provides a habitat for various species of wildlife and contributes to the overall ecological health of the area.

Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR

We continued north in Skillman Park, crossed the remnants of Maplewood Drive, and proceeded eastward around a large meadow until we arrived at Main Boulevard. After crossing Main Boulevard, we followed Association Drive, leading us to the Morrow Road semi-circle. From there, we connected to Schley Drive, which brought us back to Laroque Circle, where we had parked earlier.

Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Skillman Park
Skillman Park · Saturday 6 May 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR
Map of Skillman Park
Map of Skillman Park

Duck Pond Trail

During our last day in Cape May, I convinced Bhavna to wake up early and take a walk in Cape May Point State Park.

During our last day in Cape May, I convinced Bhavna to wake up early and take a walk in Cape May Point State Park. I wanted her to experience the peacefulness of walking among the tall brown grass and lush green trees while listening to the birds singing. I thought it would be a magical experience before heading off to the The Seed, a brewery in Atlantic City that we both had on our bucket list.

After enjoying a quick breakfast at George's Place Cape May, a cosy local restaurant in the downtown area, we made our way to Cape May Point State Park.

Cape May Duck Pond Trail
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1100 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 55 mm at f/22
Cape May Duck Pond Trail
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1100 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 55 mm at f/3.2

Due to time constraints, instead of the Blue Trail, I opted for a shorter hike, walking on the raised platform along the Yellow Trail. We took a left fork, and then another left to Cape May Pond to see the Cape May Lighthouse before returning to the Yellow Trail. We continued on the Yellow Trail until it met with the regular Yellow Trail, and then we doubled back, returning to the parking lot via the Red Trail. This short combination of the Yellow Trail and Red Trail is also called Duck Pond Trail. Duck Pond Trail is wheelchair accessible and offers views of Lighthouse Pond West and East.

Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1340 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 55 mm at f/5.6
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/1000 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 55 mm at f/5.6
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/1250 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 55 mm at f/5.6
Cape May Lighthouse
Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1850 sec, ISO 160 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR at 31.1 mm at f/8.0

Skillman Park

For years, I've been wanting a super-zoom lens. Previously, I rented lenses like the Fujinon XF100-400mmF4.5-4.6 for bird photography workshops. Finally, after saving up, I bought Fujifilm's latest super-zoom, the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR. The weather was great, so I headed to Skillman Park in Montgomery Township to try it out.

Located in Montgomery Township in Central New Jersey, Skillman Park is one of my township's newest parks. The park is named after the Skillman family, prominent landowners in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Originally, the park was the site of a mental health facility called Skillman Village. However, the facility was closed in 1995, and Montgomery Township purchased the property intending to create a park. Unfortunately, it was discovered that the buildings on the property contained asbestos and untreated sewage. This led to a series of lawsuits. Eventually, Somerset County purchased and rehabilitated the property, creating the park. Since then, the township has acquired additional land, bringing the park's total size to over 247 acres.

Within the park, individuals can find a multitude of opportunities for recreational activities. These include various sports fields and courts for sports enthusiasts, lovely picnic areas for those seeking a peaceful break, a playground for children to enjoy, and extensive hiking and biking trails that seamlessly weave through lush wooded areas and vast open fields, providing for an immersive outdoor experience.

Skillman Park is a haven for a wide range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, bird species, and the American Robin. It's a well-known birdwatching destination; designated birdwatching areas are scattered throughout the park.

I had hoped to capture some photos of birds, but unfortunately, I didn't come across many. Though I could see birds flying above, they were too far away, even for the long end of my lens. Feeling disappointed, I strolled along one of the park's trails.