All,
I took today off from work and Rob from work and I headed out at 6AM to explore portions of the Parker Preserve. We started our day at the bridge on 563 where the West Branch of the Wading River crosses. That would be here.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.789890641965336&lng=-74.53575611114502&z=17&type=h&gpx=
We decided to travel East on the North side of the river and it was quite flooded from the beavers. They own that river. Along the way we looked for the concrete monument for an exception that is inside the Parker Preserve.
Early morning mist.
Monument
We stumbled on this stand that appears to be well built, but after examining it from the ground we had our doubts. I would have never ventured into this one even when new. It has some serious safety flaws.
Rob found this.
From the end of it.
The one concern we had on this hike is that we had to cross the Risley Branch. It looked a little wide on the aerial maps in the area we were heading, so when we arrived there we were not surprised that we could not get across. So we headed upstream searching for a way across. Time after time the trees were just to weak or not long enough to reach the other side. After what seemed like forever we came to one that had possibilities. After discussing it for a while I told Rob that if Bob was there he would have thrown his walking stick across forcing us to make it to the other side to pick it up. Rob promptly threw Jessica's walking stick across the stream. He had left his home and was using hers.
We hit the Risley at the blue arrow, and had to travel to the yellow to cross.
Rob making his way across.
The hardest part of the hike was just ahead, and on the way Rob spotted this turtle. I honestly think it was sleeping when we disturbed it.
After some serious bushwhacking we finally arrived at the bogs along Old Tuckerton Road.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.78367438545645&lng=-74.52165842056274&z=16&type=h&gpx=
These bogs are private and we sat down along the edge of the bog for a small bite to eat. A vehicle had just disappeared around the corner along the bog, but soon it returned. Within a few minutes he spotted us and came over to talk. His name was Pete Brower, and for the next 30 minutes we had the most interesting conversation with him. Everything from the bogs, to various individuals we both know, to his former occupation, etc, etc. Rob felt that those 30 minutes made his day. We were both glad we had decided to go there.
His bogs. 12 acres.
Then we were off and we visited this stone that I had told Al about and he visited earlier. Notice someone had used mortar to put it back together.
We then traveled to the road between the Haines property and the Parker Preserve. There is a wonderful reservoir there that the Haines call Ox Pasture. The origins of the name are unknown I have been told.
Then our second turtle find. Painted turtles are so calm and relaxed.
Now I want to get all of you involved. If you know the answer to this let me know. Someone knows, so we should have an answer soon I hope. On the Parker Preserve we found the below concrete blocks. They made a special road for them and dug a hole for half of them. Each block is tied together with steel cord.
After looking them over I took a guess that may be correct or may not be. Remember, it is just a guess. I believe it is a test bridge. They can hook these together and place them along a road in the place of building a small bridge. The wire holds them together. What do you think or know about this?
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7346.JPG
Even under the water they are hooked together.
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7347.JPG
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7348.JPG
And at the end of the hike we stopped to rest at one of my favorite places to stop at.
It was a very nice day! I hope I have made you believe you were there with us.
Guy
I took today off from work and Rob from work and I headed out at 6AM to explore portions of the Parker Preserve. We started our day at the bridge on 563 where the West Branch of the Wading River crosses. That would be here.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.789890641965336&lng=-74.53575611114502&z=17&type=h&gpx=
We decided to travel East on the North side of the river and it was quite flooded from the beavers. They own that river. Along the way we looked for the concrete monument for an exception that is inside the Parker Preserve.
Early morning mist.
Monument
We stumbled on this stand that appears to be well built, but after examining it from the ground we had our doubts. I would have never ventured into this one even when new. It has some serious safety flaws.
Rob found this.
From the end of it.
The one concern we had on this hike is that we had to cross the Risley Branch. It looked a little wide on the aerial maps in the area we were heading, so when we arrived there we were not surprised that we could not get across. So we headed upstream searching for a way across. Time after time the trees were just to weak or not long enough to reach the other side. After what seemed like forever we came to one that had possibilities. After discussing it for a while I told Rob that if Bob was there he would have thrown his walking stick across forcing us to make it to the other side to pick it up. Rob promptly threw Jessica's walking stick across the stream. He had left his home and was using hers.
We hit the Risley at the blue arrow, and had to travel to the yellow to cross.
Rob making his way across.
The hardest part of the hike was just ahead, and on the way Rob spotted this turtle. I honestly think it was sleeping when we disturbed it.
After some serious bushwhacking we finally arrived at the bogs along Old Tuckerton Road.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.78367438545645&lng=-74.52165842056274&z=16&type=h&gpx=
These bogs are private and we sat down along the edge of the bog for a small bite to eat. A vehicle had just disappeared around the corner along the bog, but soon it returned. Within a few minutes he spotted us and came over to talk. His name was Pete Brower, and for the next 30 minutes we had the most interesting conversation with him. Everything from the bogs, to various individuals we both know, to his former occupation, etc, etc. Rob felt that those 30 minutes made his day. We were both glad we had decided to go there.
His bogs. 12 acres.
Then we were off and we visited this stone that I had told Al about and he visited earlier. Notice someone had used mortar to put it back together.
We then traveled to the road between the Haines property and the Parker Preserve. There is a wonderful reservoir there that the Haines call Ox Pasture. The origins of the name are unknown I have been told.
Then our second turtle find. Painted turtles are so calm and relaxed.
Now I want to get all of you involved. If you know the answer to this let me know. Someone knows, so we should have an answer soon I hope. On the Parker Preserve we found the below concrete blocks. They made a special road for them and dug a hole for half of them. Each block is tied together with steel cord.
After looking them over I took a guess that may be correct or may not be. Remember, it is just a guess. I believe it is a test bridge. They can hook these together and place them along a road in the place of building a small bridge. The wire holds them together. What do you think or know about this?
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7346.JPG
Even under the water they are hooked together.
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7347.JPG
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/04292011/IMG_7348.JPG
And at the end of the hike we stopped to rest at one of my favorite places to stop at.
It was a very nice day! I hope I have made you believe you were there with us.
Guy
