Asphalt and Sand

Today we really started GSE. First, we talked about the "ecology" of the Stockton parking lot. How unsustainable it was. The drain stops the runoff of oil from ruining the delicate Pine Barrens. It wouldn't be there if there weren't laws. Even that little thing that can do so much.

We then went to the beach. Sort of. We pulled over at a strip mall and laid out on our towels. Right on top of the asphalt. Weird, right? But, isn't that a natural environment? After all, a bird's nest is natural, and humans are animals. Maybe we need to stop separating ourselves from nature and start connecting with it instead.

Then we went to the real beach, at Island Beach State Park. I never would have thought anything so beautiful existed in New Jersey. It was relaxing and quiet. A billion dollars' worth of land, undeveloped, right on the beach. I found it amazing.