Newt

Came across this little guy during one of my hikes in the Delaware Water Gap (see McDade Trail). Looks like a red spotted or eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) in the juvenile, land-dwelling stage ("eft" stage). Bright orange color and spots are apparently to warn predators of its highly toxic skin. [NOTE: The newt's toxin is a neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin. Blocks the action potential in nerve cell membranes. Bad stuff].

McDade Trail

The McDade Trail runs for 32 miles through forests and agricultural fields along the Delaware River. Great resource for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. We took a wonderful two hour bike ride along the river (see below). Trail is small, crushed gravel, but I got a flat tire on my trusty Giant Seek 2 (see Seek 2) and had to walk the bike back to the car. Both biking and hiking that day. [NOTE: Go here for a nice map of the trail location and trailheads].