NJ>Lower Forge>9/12 to 9/14/14>Hiking Training for Batona Trail

[SilvrSurfr]

I reserved site 5 again at Lower Forge (too many campsites reserved at Mullica and Batona for my tastes). Gonna get some training hikes done to prepare for my attempt to do the Batona Trail (53 miles) in three days next month. On this weekend's menu:

1) Fri 9/12 - Check in at office and get permit before 4 pm. Hike 7.4 miles from Batsto to Lower Forge. Should be there before dark.
2) Sat 9/13 - Hike somewhere for a total of around 16 miles in a day - arrive back at Lower Forge. I haven't decided if I'll cache my gear or carry it, but I sure as heck ain't leaving it at Lower Forge to get ripped off.
3) Sun 9/14 - Hike 7.4 miles from Lower Forge to Batsto and go home.

About 31 miles in 3 days. It's a step up from the 18 miles in two days I did a couple of weeks ago. I hope to follow this hike up with something in the range of 36 miles in two days and then I'll be ready for 53 miles in three days (yeah, right).

Only one other site reserved at Lower Forge so if anyone else wants to join, feel free. It's a 5.8 mile hike from Atsion and 7.4 miles from Batsto Village.

[SilvrSurfr]

On Saturday, I was thinking of hiking the back roads to Hawkin's Bridge and Godfrey Bridge - get a lay of the land., do a little recon. Maybe take some pics or video to add to our "Best Campsites for Hammocks in the Pine Barrens" thread. Besides, I plan on paddling that river this fall and would like to see it before I reserve a campsite.

[SilvrSurfr]

Just looked at the weather. The Pine Barrens could get pounded with rain in the next 48 hours. Anybody up for a Batsto River paddle? There's nothing like the Batsto River after a hard rain, my brothers!

I figure, after a hard rain, paddling the Batsto is better training than a mere 31-mile hike over 3 days.

http://river-depth.com/graphs/01409400?period=1

http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/index.php?r=nj&id=ww_current

We could see a rise in river stage depth from the current .97 to well over 2. That would make paddling the Batsto fun!

[Ratdog]

I am planning on taking a group out paddling on Sunday.
We are talking about which river to do.

The Batsto could be a workout or at least some flexibility training.

[SilvrSurfr]

Get yo' flexible butt in the river! I was thinking about exploring the lower Skit Branch on Saturday, if somebody else wants to paddle. I figure we could make it to Carranza Rd. or maybe further without bushwhacking or portaging too much.

After my ADK canoe trip, I kinda look at the portages on the Skit Branch as inconsequential. I'd guess you'd only have to portage about 1/4 mile at most to reach Batona Camp from Carranza Road.

[Ratdog]

Easy portage, could even use a cart if wanted.

Sat I'm moving a canoe for a friend. Who knows, maybe she'll be up for a paddle, I'll ask.

[SilvrSurfr]

Easy portage, could even use a cart if wanted.

Sat I'm moving a canoe for a friend. Who knows, maybe she'll be up for a paddle, I'll ask.

Yeah, there's a road and a good trail pretty much the whole way from Carranza to Batona Camp.

[njredneck]

I could meet you out there on Saturday. I don't think that I could make Batsto by 4 on Friday.
I'm always up for a paddle let me know when you figure out your plan.

[The Tree Frog]

Hmmmm...I see....

[SilvrSurfr]

Leaning toward the hike right now.