Mullica River 4/23 - 4/24

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coldfeet

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First a big thx to Darren for this site allowing me to hook up with Indian Chris and begin my paddling career!

IC and I drove app 120 miles to the NJ Pine Barrens for a 2 day 1 night canoe/kayak camping trip.....

Gear used, Chris's canoe (14-15 ft) and his cooler loaded with steaks and drinks, my Tempest 170 kayak (17ft) was used for my second time only and my first camping trip....to much boat for the first 4 miles of this 10 mile trip....the first 4 miles were "S" turns the whole way, I was stuck many times hitting the bow into the soil and then the stern hitting when i completed the turn....I think nothing more than a 15ft boat should be used there.....the 2nd half of the trip was much wider so no problem there...

We both brought plenty of cool weather clothing but i was very glad that I left the jonny suit in the car and wore shorts, the weather was 70-80F both days!

We paddled through many different areas, "S" turns with a lot of brush on the sides, old cranberry bogs, went over a few short beaver dams, beautiful green grasses, lily pad flowers about to bloom, saw huge beaver huts, a forest fire burned many pine trees last year, then we got to our campsite after app 6 miles and the Queens College wilderness group was there, all 40 of them, my alma matter....

After we had some Matza ball soup it was time for the steaks and a few drinks, we went on a short night hike to stretch the legs and then it was nighty night for me, Chris did some reading....in the am we had a big breakfast and watched the college kids shove off....we packed up and went on the 2nd half....it was very wide there so I was able to use the kayak paddle, the day before I used Chris's extra canoe paddle because the river was to narrow for me to use the kayak paddle....as we traveled the pine trees were making a wall along the side of the river it was beautiful, hard to explain but it felt like I was in Maine or some other wilderness.....finally we came to our pull out and ended the journey, or should I say it made me start thinking of the next journey! big thx to Chris for taking out the newbi....this place would make a great gathering for us down in this area, maybe late Sept or mid Oct...think about it....one sad note, I left my paddling shoes to dry...NRS size 13 if found....here are pics...

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2888216000065582691rbKlPP
 
Sounds like you had a great time. Loved that pic of the tree. It looks like great weather too. Jim and I have been contemplating this trip but won't do it with our kayaks. We have been contemplating buying a canoe......
 
Carol, the Queens college group had rented their canoes from a local outfitter, I don't remember the name but the logo was on every boat. Each boat carried 2 people and a lot of gear, looked like a great choice. they were out there i think for the week going down the Batso River also.....I'd like to have some other type of boat for trips like that ....back to cloudy and chilly weather this am...take care..
 
David, the pleasure was all mine! I had a great trip and really enjoyed the company! Looking forward to many more trips in the future with the Tempests! Considering Daxs' proposal? I am!

Yeah, the river really is beautiful! I'm sure the rest of the Pine Barrens are the same. It's so close to the metro area and yet has such a close resemblance to the backwoods streams and lazy rivers of the Adirondacks!!!

The water level was just right...any lower and I think we would've had more portages. Unbelievable how pretty it was.

And the FOOD!!! We ate like Kings!!! Motza Ball soup followed by blackened steaks!!! It just doesn't get any better. And the breakfast was great too...compliments of ColdFeet!!! There's a lot to be said for a good meal after working all day for it. Adds a nice feeling of comfort and security. Worth the effort!

Fortunately didn't find any ticks either. Would've liked to have seen some fish though... :(

Yes...great place for a gathering!!! Mullica River Camp. Let's book now!!! :D
 
Chris, long day at work today....let me know when your going out for short paddles....also check out 5/19 at the dingy shop....full moon paddle.....

Tony, I think we definitely should make a VFTT gathering over there (Mullica) ....maybe some time in the Fall....

As far as Carol's trip....ummmm, let me get some more experience before I get caught up into stuff over my head...
 
Nice photos guys! Too bad no encounters with the Jersey Devil, or maybe it is the JD that is holding that tree up. ;)

Jay
 
I will definitely let you know...thinking of calling in a sub-day soon. And thanks for the new avatar!!!

Jay H...I think a "Ranger" scared him outta town ;)
 
Nice pics, I gotta learn how to download them....I forgot about those "worm tunnels?"

I ummm gained 5lbs over the last 2 weeks....too many matza balls and chocolate covered macaroons...back on the diet..
 

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