Right here in beautiful Sussex County, we have some very valuable but little known real estate. I'm referring to stromatolites - fossils on a Precambrian rock outcrop, which is more than 500,000,000 years old. Stromatolites are one of the oldest living organisms on Earth - and you can meet some right in Hamburg!
The most famous places to view stromatolites are Shark Bay or Coral Bay both in Australia, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and in the Bahamas. While I'd love to visit any of those places, such a trip isn't in my family budget. Probably not in yours either...
So, what about a short ride to explore stromatolites fossils right in Sussex County, NJ? FREE and fun - just you and Mother Nature. Family members of all ages can find something of interest - collecting loose rocks, climbing on boulders, viewing fossils, perhaps spotting some wildlife. Best of all, everyone will get dirty, so wear your sturdy playclothes! Try to locate the "Godzilla's butt print" fossil. Bring a rope to aid climbing. You'll probably want your camera too. Perhaps hike along the Wallkill River, which runs parallel; listen for the waterfall. The Wallkill River stems from the Hudson and empties into Lake Mohawk in Sparta, NJ.
Directions: The Bluffs Active Adult community is at the intersection of Gingerbread Castle Road in Hamburg and Wheatsworth Road in Hardyston. (You probably won't find Bluffs Court via GPS or Mapquest.) We're right between Ballyowen Golf Course and the Gingerbread Castle. At the top of the loop, you can park at the site of the future clubhouse. Voila - stromatolites!
When you visit, please remember that you're in a private community. There are no public restrooms, no trash cans, no benches, no concession stands - simply you and our good Earth. It would be a prime time to practice being concerned environmentally-friendly citizens. And speaking of citizens, all my lovely neighbors and I always appreciate a wave or Hello!
Following are some links to Wikipedia for those who would like some details about terms used and what you'll be seeing. Never hurts to sneak in a little learning!
Outcrop Fossil Glacier Wallkill River
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This post from RealtorIrene Blogs from Sussex County, NJ represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County, NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right or HomesIrene.com.
Irene Kennedy, who is a NJ real estate agent with Weichert, Realtors, lives in Sussex County & works from the Hamburg office. Her primary market includes: Augusta, Branchville, Crystal Springs, Frankford, Franklin, Hamburg, Hampton, Hardyston, Highland Lakes, Lake Mohawk, Newton, Ogdensburg, Scenic Lakes, Sparta, Sussex, Vernon, Wantage. With her vast network, however, Irene Kennedy also can help you find an equally talented real estate agent elsewhere.
LOL Irene...
Busted is right. You cracked me up with this. Silly me was sitting here worried that you were going to bust a move leg :)
Loved meeting you like this. You seem very much at home in front of the camera. Not everyone has that particular talent. When a camera is on me I freeze like that Moose I shared with you :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW,
My photo is in the dictionary along with the definition of ham. Show me the limelight and I want to push everyone else out of it!
Glad you had a chuckle.
Karen,
Thanks for your kind "review" of my first video. We've had constant rain for weeks and had to rush the shoot during a brief sunny interim.
Our rocks are pristine. Should visitors begin to change that, I'd yank this post (yes, even losing points!) in a heartbeat.
Irene - I loved this - very creative! I enjoyed the fact that you weren't afraid to use humor in your video. Nice job!
Jason,
A special thanks for your comment - I see from the contest post that you've been juggling a lot lately.
This video is cute and campy! Well done!
Irene, congratulations on your win! I thoroughly enjoyed your video and you have an excellent on camera presence!
Thanks so much, Russell. While I admit I'm a ham, I am NOT thinking about a new career in video. Both wonderful hubby Chip and I really, really struggled... You are kind to take the time to view it and leave a nice comment!
Hi Irene! Congratulations on the WIN! I agree with TLW--it's nice to see someone who is so comfortable in front of the camera!
Congratulations on your win, Irene. Terrific localism video - get this out there as much as you can.
Jeff
Congratulations on winning the contest and getting your 5000 bonus points!
Hi Irene ~ You are a hot ticket! This was fabulous - and you really had me as you scaled that cliff. I can't believe it's your first video. Super! Congratulations on your well deserved win.
Liz
Debe,
First, you and the other judges deserve great kudos for all the time and effort this contest took. Given the number and length of entries, it was a huge demand on you. Thanks for volunteering!
Second, with the difference in quality and approach between my video and the other 39, I'm stunned. Jason Crouch actually phoned me with the news - if I didn't recognize his voice from his contest announcement video, I would have thought it was a joke!
Many thanks for your contributions and kind verdict!
Jeff,
Thank you. Yeah, I now should think about parlaying this great honor into some business...
Bridget,
Bring the family from Sewell and I'll personally point out Godzilla's butt print!
Liz,
I'm finding AR encourages us all to scale to new heights by suggesting new endeavors and teaching us how. Dangling a few points before our eyes is icing on the cake! I appreciate your supportive words.
Congrats on your win Irene! Cute video--looks like an interesting place to visit!
have a great day,
Anne Rains
Irene - Super congrats to you for the WIN! Your video had me ROTFLMAO! Such a great wit (and informative too). LOVED the sideways camera climb scene and the hat falling off. I about busted a gut laughing. BTW - can I steal that camera trick?
Anne,
What a great last name for a member here! Nice to meet you and thanks for adding to the conversation. Loved your Wordless fishing photo.
Steve,
You are welcome to steal that - and undoubtedly will make it come off flawlessly in one take. And thanks for being a wonderful sport - I almost deleted my entry after I saw your professional caliber! Poor judges - comparing apples to oranges.
Hmmm. With your fine skills and my sense of fun, shall we think about moving our families to Hollywood, collaborating and winning an Oscar?
Great video and post Irene - loved the Godzilla's Butt Print! lol~
Congrats on winning the Localism contest with this one.
Brad,
If you can convince your wife that a Godzilla fossil beats out Hawaii, I'd be delighted to give you a guided tour! (That would be a true test of your sales skills...)
And thanks for making AR a place that has contests plus provides the clueless all the instructions and support needed to try something way outside our comfort/competence zone.
Irene...you did a great job in tjis video and are not afraid of the camera...love your humor.
Rebecca,
You're an angel to take time to watch and leave a lovely comment for me!
Irene - Let's do it. Hollywood here we come :)
We'll rendezvous at Schwab's Drugstore, Steve. It worked for Lana Turner...
What a fun time you must have had putting this together. I love the hat falling off and so glad you used that scene to your advantage instead of editing it out. Very clever! Great job putting yourself out there!
Given my ultra-limited technical ability, editing was not even an option, Sharon! My goal was FUN and the wind cooperated for a great take.
Your kind words are much appreciated.
Irene,
Your loving husband did a great job with the video. You were doing all right until your hard hat gave you away. LOL
Mike in Tucson
Irene,
When I finished my late night run through the halls of Active Rain, I went to Google, and googled "stromatolites in Sussex county NJ." You own the page!
Mike in Tucson
That was an excellent video and an excellent post to boot. I really enjoy history, especially when it's so ancient.
Mike x 2,
Poor, suffering is a great sport and always supportive! Glad to hear I dominate "stromatolites" - bet lots of home sellers and buyers will be knocking down my door as a result.
Thanks for viewing!
Russel,
You make me blush modestly. I can remember the day that rock was created...
We have a free one of those here also called the "John Day Fossil Beds" run by the National Parks service. I can certainly say if you want to walk away with more information on fossils that you ever thought available you do need to go to a place like this.
Todd,
I am such a fan of National Parks, just for the reason you mention. They do a fabulous job of educating us while we enjoy ourselves. Will have to put "John Day" on my to-do list, thanks!
Irene,
You might pick up a geologist or two... LOL
Mike in Tucson
Irene, This does sound like an interesting thing to do for both children AND grownups. I'm glad you gave directions, I just may go one day!
Carole,
And when you plan this trip to the country, I'll let you borrow my miner's light. Play your cards right and I'll even let you use my potty!
Mike,
You're clearly the most fascinated by this, so you come too!
Hey, Elaine,
Wait until I write a blog post about how wonderful it has been to sell you and Leo a home!