After realizing that I would rather explore the forest than paint in my studio, I began to hike into the 1.1 million acres of the Pinelands National Reserve, from the Delaware Bay to Central New Jersey.  

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I learned, (with help from the guys on the NJPB forum), what gear to wear, where to go, and how to stay out of trouble. I dropped a Nikon D810 into the Muskee Creek, stood with my son near the Mullica River listening to two packs of coyotes sounding off, had magical encounters with River Otters before dawn, and learned photography in the forest. I've strained ribs and hurt my back but it's been a great adventure.

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Photo of Jon Holcombe by Rafal Goraczniak