Thursday, March 13, 2014

Why We Love Cattus Island Park

 We love Cattus Island Park because of it's unspoiled beauty.
Nature and wildlife are the main attractions here
in this beautiful hidden treasure.

 This park boosts 530 acres,
and many well maintained trails that hug the Barnegat Bay.
 
We visited on February 22 of this year,
because a Snowy Owl had been calling this perch home.
The owl wasn't home when we visited but we still had fun anyway.
Another aspect I love about this park...
the trail to reach this spot is at least a 5 mile walk.
On the weekends, they provide a van service out to the area,
so peeps like me, with limited walking ability,
can still visit the snowy. 
 
Isn't that awesome!!
 
 There was still a lot of ice on the bay...

 but it was a warm winter day!!

 The nature center is closed as it was destroyed by Super Storm Sandy.
What so many people don't realize...
we still have so much rebuilding to do here at the Jersey Shore.

This park is free to the public and
there is a gorgeous, well manicured butterfly garden during summer.
 
Many thanks to the folks at Cattus Island Park
and also to the driver of the white van on February 22nd.
She was so sweet and a real nature lover, we had such a nice chat.
 
And yes peeps...I had to wear "the boots"!!
 

33 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

it is beautiful. the colors are spectacular - deep blues and those rich golden grasses. *sigh*

simply bev said...

So pretty and how lucky that you got to see a snowy owl! I loved the Jersey shore during my years there and hope that the rebuilding efforts continue on!

Muffie said...

It's been a while since I visited Barnegat Bay. I must add it to my list. Interesting about the snowy owl. I read an article recently about the fact that they shouldn't be around here this time of year; however, many were spotted. Glad you had such an enjoyable trip. And yes, it's sad that there's still so much rebuilding to be done!

Beth said...

It looks like a beautiful place to visit.

I declare, you two are the cutest couple!!

Karen Lakis said...

What a beautiful park and so great that they offer a shuttle. A return trip to catch that owl might be fun, too - but I know - so many things to explore, so little time.... I'm glad you enjoyed your trip!

Nancy said...

Nice, Debbie. xo

Gail Dixon said...

Y'all are so cute in your photos. :) Too bad you missed the snowy. At least you didn't have to walk 5 miles to find it wasn't there. Lovely area!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Looks like fun place to visit and enjoy nature.

Jackie See said...

Just beautiful! Your photos always bring me joy! New Jersey is more beautiful with each post!

Kmcblackburn said...

To see a snowy owl up close and personal would be quite extraordinary!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

looks just gorgeous. need to put that one on my "must see list". love the deep rich blues. peaceful. so amazing!! it looks cold. maybe even a bit freezing too??!

i love your boots. i would have thought they would be "purple", though??! ( :

DIMI said...

What a beauty Debbie!!Such a beautiful place to visit!!Gorgeous pictures!!Sorry you did'nt saw the snowy owl!Maybe next time!!!Wish you a happy evening!
Dimi...

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh this is a beautiful place I would surely have loved to tag along with you two when you went but threes a crowd:) The van to get you down to the owls is perfect.Oh I do hope they can get it back to where it was before Sandy:( Thanks for sharing this. Hug B

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh this is a beautiful place I would surely have loved to tag along with you two when you went but threes a crowd:) The van to get you down to the owls is perfect.Oh I do hope they can get it back to where it was before Sandy:( Thanks for sharing this. Hug B

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh this is a beautiful place I would surely have loved to tag along with you two when you went but threes a crowd:) The van to get you down too bad no owl next time for sure. Oh I do hope they can get it back to where it was before Sandy:( Thanks for sharing this. Hug B

eileeninmd said...

Yes, the boots are needed in the winter.. Love the beautiful grasses and scenic shots of the water.. Sorry you missed the Snowy Owl.. Some are still down this way, maybe you will see some headed back north.. Lovely photos. I hope all is well, have a happy weekend ahead!

Susan said...

You both look so cosy and rugged up. Love your boots too.
Such a pretty place to visit - gorgeous colours and your photos capture the feel of it all so well. So enjoyed being able to visit another beautiful spot in the world, thank you :D)

Brian King said...

I can see why you like it! Gorgeous shots!

Michelle said...

The light and colors are just beautiful. And, you two look mighty good as well!

Lin said...

I noticed the boots long before you mentioned them. ;)

Looks like a beautiful place. Can't wait for everything to turn green again.

Muffy's Marks said...

I'm so glad you're getting out, even with boots on your feet. Enjoy the last few days of winter. Spring should be soon!!!!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

This looks like a natural paradise. I can see why you enjoy it so much. It looks so quiet and peaceful and untouched. Thanks for sharing your day with us!

Miss Debbie said...

Such a pretty place! You look cold...but happy! And that's a good thing! :-)

Linda said...

Marvelous pictures! Glad you had such a nice trip.

LeAnn said...

Very cute boots; I would say. You have such awesome places to visit. I loved the photos and especially of the two of you. I hope that the Jersey Shore will get back to normal.
Blessings to you both!

LeAnn said...

Very cute boots; I would say. You have such awesome places to visit. I loved the photos and especially of the two of you. I hope that the Jersey Shore will get back to normal.
Blessings to you both!

MarmePurl said...

Beautiful Place. I love the serenity of a shoreline in winter.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Thanks for a trip down Memory Lane and we used to visit Cattus Island when we were living in Ocean County, NJ. We were saddened to read that the nature center was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and hole it will be rebuilt. Glad you had a good day for the visit, despite chilly temps.

Montanagirl said...

What a great place! Love the golden colors of the grasses.

Unknown said...

Wow. Looks like such a lovely spot.

A Colorful World said...

What a truly gorgeous park! I can see why you love it so much! Really wonderful pictures!

Ida said...

Gosh you get to visit such wonderful places. I love the ocean but seldom get to visit. Those shots of the grass with the sun shining on them were lovely.

Laura. M said...

Wow ... I love the sea Debbie gives me life. We want to go and see it now at Easter. A very handsome couple ;-)
a kiss.