All,
As you know from bobpbx’s invitation, the PBX hiking group set out this morning to hike from the bombing range on 539, all the way to 72 by the Barnegat Estates. As the crow flies this is 4.5 miles, and when all was said and done we traveled 6.5. Other than reaching 72 our goal was to see what the fire area looked like 6 months after the fire. And since Jessica accompanied us today, her goal was to just get her 92 pound body there!
After leaving two vehicles along 72 at 8:30 this morning, we all met at Lucille's in Warren Grove before our final drive to the bombing range. After getting all out gear on we lined up for a group photo. Attending from this site was bobpbx, woodjin, pinelandpaddler, teegate (me), onehand, and as mentioned, Jessica.
The first portion of the hike was intense, since the fire had not thinned the woods out. But eventually we reached the burned area, and the hiking became easier. Here is one of the many small savannahs and spung's we had planned on seeing along the way.
A cluster of Pine Barren Gentian.
We found this wooden trough that we surmise was used to hold corn off the ground so it would not get wet.
On the Stafford and Little Egg Harbor border.
Indicative of the magic from fire in the pines.
Most everywhere we were at was dry, especially the spungs. However, this one apparently is spring fed from underground and it was filled with water. Bob checking out the flowers.
Included with this spung was several Nymphoides Cordata, commonly known as a Floating Heart. Notice the leaves look like hearts.
After lunch nearby, we came upon this which most likely was dug by a hunter. The fire took care of it.
Next was the snake skin.
Then the snake. Here is Jessica holding a green snake.
Looking a little dirty.
Next we encountered the Mill Creek. This wonderful creek was sparkling clean and clear. Cold also since it is spring fed obviously. This creek is a real gem that we all enjoyed. Here is Jeff washing up.
And while he washed up I took this along the banks.
And shortly after the day was over. Jessica looking tired and dirty, and maybe using Bob’s vehicle as a crutch
And this final photo shows our planned route. Starting at the bottom left at the first open area on the road to the range, we traveled completely across an area that until the fire would have almost been impossible. Even today just six months after the fire, the going was not easy. Within a year or so attempting it again will be unwise.
Guy
As you know from bobpbx’s invitation, the PBX hiking group set out this morning to hike from the bombing range on 539, all the way to 72 by the Barnegat Estates. As the crow flies this is 4.5 miles, and when all was said and done we traveled 6.5. Other than reaching 72 our goal was to see what the fire area looked like 6 months after the fire. And since Jessica accompanied us today, her goal was to just get her 92 pound body there!
After leaving two vehicles along 72 at 8:30 this morning, we all met at Lucille's in Warren Grove before our final drive to the bombing range. After getting all out gear on we lined up for a group photo. Attending from this site was bobpbx, woodjin, pinelandpaddler, teegate (me), onehand, and as mentioned, Jessica.
The first portion of the hike was intense, since the fire had not thinned the woods out. But eventually we reached the burned area, and the hiking became easier. Here is one of the many small savannahs and spung's we had planned on seeing along the way.
A cluster of Pine Barren Gentian.
We found this wooden trough that we surmise was used to hold corn off the ground so it would not get wet.
On the Stafford and Little Egg Harbor border.
Indicative of the magic from fire in the pines.
Most everywhere we were at was dry, especially the spungs. However, this one apparently is spring fed from underground and it was filled with water. Bob checking out the flowers.
Included with this spung was several Nymphoides Cordata, commonly known as a Floating Heart. Notice the leaves look like hearts.
After lunch nearby, we came upon this which most likely was dug by a hunter. The fire took care of it.
Next was the snake skin.
Then the snake. Here is Jessica holding a green snake.
Looking a little dirty.
Next we encountered the Mill Creek. This wonderful creek was sparkling clean and clear. Cold also since it is spring fed obviously. This creek is a real gem that we all enjoyed. Here is Jeff washing up.
And while he washed up I took this along the banks.
And shortly after the day was over. Jessica looking tired and dirty, and maybe using Bob’s vehicle as a crutch
And this final photo shows our planned route. Starting at the bottom left at the first open area on the road to the range, we traveled completely across an area that until the fire would have almost been impossible. Even today just six months after the fire, the going was not easy. Within a year or so attempting it again will be unwise.
Guy
