NJ Pine Barrens Canoe Camper May 12-13, 2012

[Nick Bowley]

Class: I - Moving flat water

Trip leader: Kara Brown.  Contact me at LKBDECOFAN AT GMAIL DOT COM or post here

Continuing the tradition of Pat M's annual Mothers' Day Canoe Camper to the Batsto/Mullica rivers in New Jersey's Pine Barrens.  

Meet Saturday morning at 9:00 am at Maryland House rest area and caravan to the Atsion Ranger Station, get permits, (.75 apiece) and set shuttle.  Approx 5 hours on the river Saturday, 3 on Sunday.  

Lots of local fun to fill Sunday afternoon off of the river.  Picturesque Hammonton is the self-proclaimed blueberry capitol of the country.  Tomasello Winery has free tastings--grape wines and a huge assortment of great fruit wines, I recommend the blueberry champagne!  http://www.tomasellowinery.com/
Also historic Batsto Village is right at the takeout for both rivers. http://www.batstovillage.org/

Very unique ecosystem, narrow, winding rivers with clear, dark, tanin stained water, unique flora, and neverending concert of Whipporwills at night.

[VTpixie]

The Pine Barrens are awesome. Even though it's flat water, it's always a blast. There are so many creeks to check out, tons of nature (trees, plants and animals)...plus something interesting happens on every trip. It's worth going at least once.

[Jim&Betty]

I know it's early but I am planning to bring my family and grandchildren
along for this trip. Can't wait.
Jim

[LeeY]

Does "canoe camper" mean carrying gear and camping out of the canoes or does it mean camping out of the car and running canoes mostly empty?

[Larry]

“Canoe Camper” means carrying all your gear in the canoe.  This includes drinking water.  Depending upon which river is done this year, there either is no potable water or potable water your really don’t want to drink. 

[Jim&Betty]

OK, got canoes reserved for the Batsto. Adams guy said put in is Hamden Furnace and take out is Basto lake. He said about three hour paddle to LOwer Forge campground. Does this sound right.
Since I'm renting boats just want to not make any mistakes.
Thank You
Jim

[KaraB]

This trip has been invaded by the Rupp clan!  So far there are a whole bunch of them, and me going.  We are glad to have others join us, if you are interested in going let me know by Friday evening just so I can coordinate meeting times.  Due to the enthusiasm of the Rupps, it has been changed from an official GBCC trip to a "family fun" trip, they are in charge!   Will be good practice for them as future trip leaders, hint, hint.    

Should be lots of fun, Jim and Betty are really looking forward to it, so it should be a great group!  Last chance to join us!
Kara

[Jim&Betty]

Thank You so much Kara, for helping us down this beautiful river.
My family learned a lot and enjoyed the challenge. Lindsay and Nathan
plan to add canoeing to their to the recreational options. A really great weekend indeed!
Again, Thank You
Jim