Anyone want to hit the pine barrens for an after Christmas overnight? Thinking of taking the long way to Mullica river camp. Batsto to Quaker Bridge to Mullica river camp.
Anyone want to hit the pine barrens for an after Christmas overnight? Thinking of taking the long way to Mullica river camp. Batsto to Quaker Bridge to Mullica river camp.
That sounds like fun. That's like 8.1 to 8.5 miles, right? I haven't done the Batona Trail from Batsto to Quaker Bridge in a long time. I especially like the first mile or two - there are wide open sections of Pine Barrens with very little underbrush - beautiful landscape. After that I tend to get lost, but I think I'm past that now - I know every possible way to get lost on that section!
Might bring one of my three kids - I have enough quality insulation to keep me and one other warm in anything down to 0*, so two kids have to stay home. Unfortunately, my kids usually tend to move in a herd - none of them wants to go camping/hiking unless one other kid is going. So Dad usually goes alone.
And anyone that doesn't want to do 8.1 miles can always pick their mileage.
1) Batsto-Mullica - 4 miles (easy-peasy)
2) Atsion-Mullica - 5.5 miles (worth it for the views at Beaver Pond)
3) Batsto-Quaker Bridge-Mullica - 8.1 miles (don't do this section at night, at least not with me!)
4) Batona Camp - Mullica 8.8 miles (Batona Camp to Quaker Bridge is one of the more boring sections in all the Pine Barrens)
5) Buttonwood Hills - Quaker Bridge-Mullica - 11 miles (never tried the Buttonwood Hills-Batsto section)
And if you're really clever and know the back roads, you can do like Ratdog, drive the backroads and end up 1/2 mile from Mullica, have your family sherpa your gear in and out, and you're all set for a lovely evening!
Awesome idea, I'm a maybe. The young'ens likely won't be up for it but the teenagers might be.
Note, that Sherpa Service doesn't come cheap, plenty of babysitting and errand running to pay that back. Still worth it though next time I would add something to the shopping list...
I've started converting a garden cart into a 4 wheeled pulk so I can haul in some wood and other supplies.
Beaver Pond shots, I should get out and paddle it this week, do any clearing needed between Atsion and camp.
Ratdog, you're on the list of The Usual Suspects.
You thinking Friday into Saturday, or Saturday into Sunday?
I like the idea of slackpacking - we should meet somewhere and schlep all the gear to north of Mullica camp where iafte left his car after Thanksgiving. Then we go hiking!
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