Hiking Greenwood Forest WMA?

[woodjin]

I don't use a GPS much. I use it when I need to find a very specific location I've seen in aerials. I often find the directional arrow to be wrong and I often loose signal (but i am using an older GPS Bob gave to me) Mainly, like Gabe said, it can take the fun out of it. I think using the map and compass is a great skill, NJchilehead, and I applaude you for carrying the torch. It is not as accurate as a GPS, but you'll never really get lost with one.

Jeff

 

[Boyd]

I applaude you for carrying the torch. It is not as accurate as a GPS, but you'll never really get lost with one.

That is true, a torch isn't as accurate as a GPS.

Older GPS units (devices with chipsets maybe 8-10 years old) are really much less sensitive. They will frequently lose signal under tree cover. That almost never happens with the new devices, especially in the pines. The only times you are likely to lose signal are in a canyon or a place like Manhattan where there are skyscrapers that block the view of the satellites or reflect their signals.

 

[1Jerseydevil]

Interesting thread.
There are numerous historic area's, interesting places and places where it is just nice to stop and "smell the roses" so to speak.
There are no official hiking trails but as mentioned numerous sand and gravel roads. Numerous fire cuts that may seem boring, but some do traverse some interesting area's. Numerous old boundary lines, many over grown, hunter trails and deer hunting drive lines. A great place to explore and I agree the best way is to just go without a specific point of interest to locate. I have a gps, I just got a year ago but actually I don't use it until I get home and see where I've been. LOL.

As for cell phone coverage. I have Verizon and the obsolete flip phone, No Smart phone for me, at least not yet. There are area's with no to minimal coverage. What I have accidentally found is hold the flip top part of the phone with your fingers and not the phone body. Apparently like the smart phone of a couple years ago, the internal antenna is weak and by holding the phone next to the antenna a weak signal will be lost. I can have 2 to 2.5 bars showing if I hold by the flip top, then hold by the phone body and watch the bars disappear and the no signal symbol appear. Just thought I'd pass this on. Don't know about the Smart phones, but maybe try holding in different locations?

A question. Why is it only the cabs of the abandoned trucks are present and not the rest? I know of 3 others, only the cabs, 4 counting the one pictured in the 50 fields. Teegate told me of one in the vicinity of the Bryant house ruins I have yet to find, but I haven't given it a dedicated attempt to find. I know of the old bicycle nailed to a tree. There may be what a few think is the remains of a narrow gauge rail road. There are no RR ties or tracks, just something about the trail.

As mentioned Howardsville area across rt 539 is interesting and there are interesting p.o.i. in the adjoining area to the West and of course the Forked River Mts. to the North. Oh, beware of Tom Brown's Survival retreat. There are "survivors" living in hooches full time, including winter. They take a dim view if you happen to wander onto their "reservation" LOL

 

[NJChileHead]

I think using the map and compass is a great skill, NJchilehead, and I applaude you for carrying the torch. It is not as accurate as a GPS, but you'll never really get lost with one.

Jeff

Thanks!

Interesting thread.
There are numerous historic area's, interesting places and places where it is just nice to stop and "smell the roses" so to speak.
There are no official hiking trails but as mentioned numerous sand and gravel roads. Numerous fire cuts that may seem boring, but some do traverse some interesting area's. Numerous old boundary lines, many over grown, hunter trails and deer hunting drive lines. A great place to explore and I agree the best way is to just go without a specific point of interest to locate. I have a gps, I just got a year ago but actually I don't use it until I get home and see where I've been. LOL.

As for cell phone coverage. I have Verizon and the obsolete flip phone, No Smart phone for me, at least not yet. There are area's with no to minimal coverage. What I have accidentally found is hold the flip top part of the phone with your fingers and not the phone body. Apparently like the smart phone of a couple years ago, the internal antenna is weak and by holding the phone next to the antenna a weak signal will be lost. I can have 2 to 2.5 bars showing if I hold by the flip top, then hold by the phone body and watch the bars disappear and the no signal symbol appear. Just thought I'd pass this on. Don't know about the Smart phones, but maybe try holding in different locations?

A question. Why is it only the cabs of the abandoned trucks are present and not the rest? I know of 3 others, only the cabs, 4 counting the one pictured in the 50 fields. Teegate told me of one in the vicinity of the Bryant house ruins I have yet to find, but I haven't given it a dedicated attempt to find. I know of the old bicycle nailed to a tree. There may be what a few think is the remains of a narrow gauge rail road. There are no RR ties or tracks, just something about the trail.

As mentioned Howardsville area across rt 539 is interesting and there are interesting p.o.i. in the adjoining area to the West and of course the Forked River Mts. to the North. Oh, beware of Tom Brown's Survival retreat. There are "survivors" living in hooches full time, including winter. They take a dim view if you happen to wander onto their "reservation" LOL

That's an interesting point about the cell phone, I never knew that-thanks for the tip. Also, thank you for the info on not wandering onto the survivors' retreat-this is the type of stuff that I need to know!

 

[PINEY MIKE]

Greenwood is within yards from my house and I'll just chime in to say that there are thousands of hiking trails off the sand roads and all are easy to find. Some or more like quad and dirt bike trails, but hikable all the same. I usually like to explore waterways or fields and open areas, but theres a lot to be seen in the area. Best of luck and have fun out there.

 

[manumuskin]

seen a venus flytrap that was quick on the draw.jewelweed can shoot a mean seed too.

 

[Gibby]

Chile, don't let the thought of coming a across one of those so called "survivors" put a burden on your good time hiking. "Reservation".....please!

 

[1Jerseydevil]

Chile, don't let the thought of coming a across one of those so called "survivors" put a burden on your good time hiking. "Reservation".....please!

By all means and I agree, don't let them stop your enjoyment. I meant it more of something different and who they are if you do encounter their "reservation" school. Hey, maybe you'll sign up, LOL. They're friendly but will let you know your tresspassing and not welcome. They are on private property btw. It's located in the Lacey tract very near the old central Jersey RR right of way. They border a cedar swamp.

Gibby, have you seen the compound? I think reservation is appropiate.

 

[Gibby]

I think reservation is appropriate.

Yeah, JD, I have come across the reservation and its caretakers in past. I don't now what to make of the place, but the fellow that spoke with us seemed to be a decent person. Reservation is loosely appropriate, but I won't expect to see a casino.

 

[bobpbx]

They take a dim view if you happen to wander onto their "reservation" LOL

They take a dim view because the raw acorns Tom Brown makes them eat ruin their eyes. Once in awhile they sneak off to WAWA for a chili dog with onions.

 

[1Jerseydevil]

I won't expect to see a casino.

Casino is in the eye of the owner, Tom Brown is certainly cashing in.
Reservation is generally thought of but not exclusively of an area designated to "contain" Native Americans. This culture lived strictly off the land without modern inventions until they were assimilated into "our" culture. Isn't Brown's survival retreat a "back to nature" school based on his teachings by Grandfather, a Native American?

the raw acorns Tom Brown makes them eat ruin their eyes. Once in awhile they sneak off to WAWA for a chili dog with onions.

Priceless and I've heard stories that support this.

 

[46er]

Tom Brown is certainly cashing in.

He certainly is. The compound is where Brown stores some of his toys. I recall a year or so back a pickup towing a go-fast boat passed us on Bryant Rd. Thought I was seeing things, so we followed it at a distance. That compound is a mess. Easily seen on a satellite view. A local pizza place makes regular deliveries to it.

 

[PINEY MIKE]

. Isn't Brown's survival retreat a "back to nature" school based on his teachings by Grandfather, a Native American?

Seems there are mixed reports/opinions on whether or not there even was a "Stalking Wolf" (Tom's friend Rick's grandfather). I've heard him and Rick are made-up, but dont know for sure. Some of the things in his books do seem far fetched. Im sure he's a great woodsman, but I dont know about all those stories. Plus, as much talk as he does about the environment and carbon footprints, I believe he used to (and still may) drive a hummer and own a big house on LBI. Cashed in is right.

 

[manumuskin]

I went back to the reservation once and shot the breeze with the caretakers once.I went to TBJ's first class and know the lingo so after being suspicious at first they warmed up to me.TBJ puts out some good survival info but I can't get into the shamanism stuff.I have come over the years to think the Stalking Wolf story is fake also.I know from a friend and fellow ex student that a man was kicked out of Tom's class for questioning him too closely on Rick and his past.Gave him his money back and told his instructors to remember him and permanently ban him.

 

[46er]

I believe he used to (and still may) drive a hummer and own a big house on LBI. Cashed in is right.

I believe he lives in FL now, better tax situation The LBI place was in his companies name, pretty sure it was in the Loveldies section; BIG buck neighborhood. And there is nothing wrong with that, he has been successful running his business. Easy to find out, if interested, on the property tax site the APP has.

 

[PINEY MIKE]

Loveldies section; BIG buck neighborhood. And there is nothing wrong with that, he has been successful running his business.

There is nothing wrong with that, but I dont necessarily buy into people who preach about carbon footprints and live in beach mansions and drive 2 hummers around town towing motor boats.

To be clear, Im sure the guy is very knowledgable and the classes might be worth every penny (pretty penny), but I wouldnt buy into the philosophies floating around there and the "Native American" belief stuff.

 

[46er]

I agree. The way I look at what he does, it's entertainment. He fills an entertainment need for some. Will they ever live the way he teaches, I doubt it. The parking lot at Wells Mill was filled with high end cars amongst the mix when they were allowed to park them there. It is easy to see he lives high on the hog, just look at his pictures; a Rolex on his arm, well couiffed hair, never in 'used' clothing. He gave a presentation to the Scout pack when my sons were in them; gave a good one, the kids loved. But I would not pay money for what he teaches. There used to be a site on the net about his early years in Asbury, NJ. Not Asbury Park, but up north along the Musconetcong River; it was a large farm. He has apparently been well off for quite some time.

 

[1Jerseydevil]

Didn't mean to get off topic, it's obvious Brown is a good topic for discussion though.
I have nothing against the man. He found his niche in life and took full advantage of it. Good for him. He's providing education for those seeking and employment for those needing. I met him once in a fire cut in '83 and one of his female caretakers 2 years ago when we stumbled into his reservation through a "back door" trail complete with what I have to assume booby traps or some sort of alarm system not operative at the time.

If he now resides in FL, I would assume he runs a "school" down there also? Does he make appearances here during classes?
I knew about his Yellow Hummers and house in Loveladies. Strange to store a go fast boat back in the woods though. I just find it ironic for a man to preach and teach the simple back to nature lifestyle but exploits modern civilization to the fullest complete with all it's luxuries.

An entertainment business is the best description I've heard yet. I have to fully agree with that.

 

[manumuskin]

He has cancelled all classes in california claiming his disabilities prevent him from travelling that far (he has Lymes).I have been to his house on the Musconetcong (very classy) that is where the standard classes were held when i went back in 83.He is now divorced from his second wife from what i hear so i don't know who kept the house.His last divorse he went on a drinking binge from what I have heard.Don't know if he is there again or not.By the way he is forcasting the end of the world more or less this summer with complete society meltdown and the rule of tooth and claw by summers end.He has made up new classes to preach this stuff which will bring in more revenue I'm sure.Wonder what his plans are for fall???

 

[46er]

By the way he is forcasting the end of the world more or less this summer with complete society meltdown and the rule of tooth and claw by summers end.He has made up new classes to preach this stuff which will bring in more revenue I'm sure.Wonder what his plans are for fall???

Didn't Jim Jones predict the same?

"Gather round folks, I have a new flavor Kool-Aid that will make everything better."