Recharging with a Drive: Franklin Parker Preserve & Barnegat Lighthouse

Sometimes, you just need to step back, disconnect from the noise, and recharge. That’s where I found myself yesterday—a drive down to clear my head and maybe stumble upon some inspiration.

A Flea Market That Didn’t Click

The day started at the Berlin Farmers Market. I'd heard about its flea market appeal, and while I could see the draw—the rows of eclectic vendors and shops tucked inside—I just couldn’t find a spark. Maybe it was my mood, maybe the light wasn’t right, or maybe it just wasn’t the right scene for me that day. I grabbed lunch and hit the road, letting my curiosity take over.

Franklin Parker Preserve

Driving aimlessly turned out to be the reset I needed. I ended up at Franklin Parker Preserve, a quiet and serene spot that felt miles away from everything. The reflections on the water caught my eye immediately—subtle ripples and an expanse of stillness. I grabbed my Nikon D200 paired with the 24-120mm f/4G lens, a camera I always turn to for its beautiful CCD sensor output. There’s something about the depth and color from this older sensor that I don’t always find in my newer gear.

The edge of the water with trees reflected perfectly on the glassy surface.

A wide shot of the icy water, stretching out to a distant tree line.

Chasing a Lighthouse

While browsing Google Maps, I noticed I wasn’t far from Barnegat Lighthouse. I’d heard about it before but had never made the drive. It felt right to see how the day might end there.

By the time I arrived, the prettiest colors of the sunset had already faded, but the lighthouse, illuminated against a soft blue sky, stood tall and timeless. I took my time, framing a shot that captured the quiet atmosphere. It wasn’t the most vibrant sky, but that didn’t matter—it was a photo I felt good about.

The Barnegat Lighthouse after sunset.

The Gear I Used

• Nikon D200 + Nikon 24-120mm f/4G lens: I love the D200 for moments like these. Its CCD sensor delivers a look that’s hard to replicate.

• Yashica D and Nikon F2: I also took some shots on film, but those rolls are yet to be developed. I’m curious to see how they’ll turn out—film always has its own surprises.

What started as an underwhelming trip turned into a day of discovery—quiet reflections, long drives, and a new lighthouse checked off my list. Sometimes, the best recharge is unplanned and slow, and yesterday was exactly that.

A Perfect Summer Day at Avon-by-the-Sea

This past summer, my family and I decided to head down to Avon-by-the-Sea in New Jersey, one of those quintessential beach towns that reminds you why summer is the best season. It was one of those days where the sun, sand, and sea all came together to create the kind of memories you hold onto tightly.

This trip was extra special because my family was all there, from my wife and kids to my mom and stepdad, and even my cousin joined us. We set up camp with umbrellas and beach chairs, staking out our spot on the crowded beach as we prepared for a full day of relaxation and laughter.

The kids, as always, were the first to hit the water, excitedly grabbing their buckets and shovels, ready to build sandcastles and search for seashells. My wife and I, always with cameras in hand, couldn't resist capturing these moments. The photos you'll see here were taken on my trusty Olympus OM-1, using a combination of my 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2.8 lenses, and of course, shot on Kodak Portra 400. The film really brought out the warmth of the sand, the vibrant colors of the umbrellas, and the laid-back, sun-kissed vibe of the day.

One of my favorite shots from the day is of my mom and cousin at the shore. My cousin, laughing, holding onto a bucket of seaweed, while my mom points something out, their joy completely unfiltered. It's one of those candid moments that feels so genuine, a snapshot of pure happiness.

As the day went on, we spent time walking along the shoreline, dipping our toes in the cool ocean water. The kids splashed around while we watched boats and kites in the distance. One of my other favorite shots captures a lone sailboat on the horizon, the kind of image that makes you feel calm just looking at it.

We ended the day sharing snacks under the beach umbrellas, the kids exhausted but smiling. We took a final group shot before packing up—it's the kind of picture that, years from now, will instantly transport me back to this perfect summer day. These beach trips are about more than just fun in the sun; they’re about the family moments we create, the laughter, and the time spent together.

This was the last beach trip of the summer, but it couldn’t have ended on a better note.