Bob and I went to Howardsville today. I got some good photos.
The lake at the northern end is really, really nice. Bob noticed that it was free of the usual amount of reeds and lilly pads, and didn't have a lot of fish in it. He thinks that the pH level might be off, which sounds like a reasonable guess. The water was crystal clear and very cool.
There is a large field to the south of that lake that most likely holds a lot of ruins. The grass was really tall and probably full of chiggers so we didn't explore it. Futher down the road that follows the field there is an open area that was plowed with a tractor and planted with grass seed. In this "green field" were a lot of bricks and bog iron. There also was a cool old oak tree, most likely planted by those who lived here.
Around the southern part (topozone.com link) we walked down through the causeways and saw the remains of many wooden water control devices, as well as one that was built on a concrete foundation. Unfortunately it was getting dark so my camera wouldn't take any good photos any more. We'll go back in the winter and scout around.
Here's some of the photos that did come out:
http://www.njpinebarrens.com/module...ery&file=index&include=view_album.php
I can't impress on you the size of the grassy field. It was HUGE. There is a ton of open space back there, and is probably full of interesting ruins. After the first frost when the chiggers are gone, I'll be out there exploring it better.
The lake at the northern end is really, really nice. Bob noticed that it was free of the usual amount of reeds and lilly pads, and didn't have a lot of fish in it. He thinks that the pH level might be off, which sounds like a reasonable guess. The water was crystal clear and very cool.
There is a large field to the south of that lake that most likely holds a lot of ruins. The grass was really tall and probably full of chiggers so we didn't explore it. Futher down the road that follows the field there is an open area that was plowed with a tractor and planted with grass seed. In this "green field" were a lot of bricks and bog iron. There also was a cool old oak tree, most likely planted by those who lived here.
Around the southern part (topozone.com link) we walked down through the causeways and saw the remains of many wooden water control devices, as well as one that was built on a concrete foundation. Unfortunately it was getting dark so my camera wouldn't take any good photos any more. We'll go back in the winter and scout around.
Here's some of the photos that did come out:
http://www.njpinebarrens.com/module...ery&file=index&include=view_album.php
I can't impress on you the size of the grassy field. It was HUGE. There is a ton of open space back there, and is probably full of interesting ruins. After the first frost when the chiggers are gone, I'll be out there exploring it better.
