conditionality of seasonality (AHEM Monmouth County)

Yesterday, Timmy and I drove to camp for the annual staff reunion. Before we left, I was thinking about what sort of post I could do about the trip-- probably something talking about how I love New Jersey's distinct four seasons and how evident they are at camp. I experience camp mostly in the summers, when it's hot and humid, but reunion is always very chilly, usually with snow on the ground. In the past few years I've been able to visit during spring and fall as well. Each has their charm.

However, I have little to say about camp, because I spent more time driving to and from camp (three hours fifteen minutes each way, usually takes two) than I actually spent at camp yesterday (four hours). This is mostly Monmouth County's fault. After the blizzard earlier this week, it is just a wreck. Granted, Ocean County isn't much better, having received some of the highest snowfall in the state, but the Parkway in Monmouth was like a terrible obstacle course in which the lanes would just disappear abruptly. We did see a few trucks trying to clear snow out of the far lanes, but it was incredibly frustrating. We arrived at camp at dusk. I didn't get to see the lake, which I hear is quite icy at this point. Warren County only got about four inches (compared to our 28+) so it was easy driving in the northwestern part of the state, but still very pretty and serene. However, because it was dark, I didn't really get to see camp under snow. At least I got to catch up with some old friends.

It's always surprising when we get snow, especially substantial snow, at the shore, where our climate is moderated by the proximity of the ocean. For us to get so much and up north, which has "mountains" and no ocean, to get so little is mind boggling.