Kayaked the Sedge Islands

[woodjin]

I think of Island Beach State Park as part of the pine barrens. I don't know if it is officially or not. Anyway, I kayaked the sedge islands on Saturday. A little cloudy but from time to time the sky would open up.

The amount of herons and egrets and cormorants was amazing. I had a chance to see a tri-colored heron which was really cool. Ospreys too!!

I also had a bunch of adult diamond back terrapins looking at me from the water. Unfortunately, without a zoom, I couldn't capture these sights in photos. The area is teeming with life. I got into these very narrow canals

and they were all lined with thousands of mussels holding onto the sedge growth along the bank.

Crabs were all over the place. Here is a particularly blue claw.

The islands were very firm and you can easily walk on them.

Some islands had structures

It was a great trip. I plan to do it again with hopefully a bit more sun.

Jeff

 

[Ben Ruset]

Ocean going kayak, I assume? That looks like a fun trip.

 

[Boyd]

Very cool Jeff! I love Island Beach State Park, and the Sedge Islands have always fascinated me as well.

 

[pinelandpaddler]

Jeff, I definitely agree that Island Beach is part of the pine barrens. Its lacking certain things like cedar swamps, but the pines and sugar sand are prevalent, amongst other things. Very neat place, isn't it? Thanks for the report.

 

[BEHR655]

That is an awesome place to kayak and canoe. I've done both.

Steve

 

[onehand]

you lucky dog ! wish i had gone ! very nice area, how bad were the bugs ?

 

[woodjin]

Ocean going kayak, I assume? That looks like a fun trip.

Actually, it is the same 13'8" old town loon I use in the pine barren rivers. It is a sit in. There were a few white caps across the bay as I was returning. It was easy to handle, a breeze, in fact it was fun.

 

[woodjin]

you lucky dog ! wish i had gone ! very nice area, how bad were the bugs ?

No bugs! not one green head, not one skeeter! A steady breeze was a bit too much for them I guess. After years of canoeing, I don't even feel the head wind in a kayak.

Jeff

 

[Frolickin]

Actually, it is the same 13'8" old town loon I use in the pine barren rivers. It is a sit in. There were a few white caps across the bay as I was returning. It was easy to handle, a breeze, in fact it was fun.

How long is that trip?

 

[LARGO]

Damn !
The pics say it all. Great trip Jeff. simply amazing.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

Nice day! Where did you put in?

 

[woodjin]

How long is that trip?

When you go into Island Beach SP you can get a map that outlines two canoe/kayak trails, each approx. 2-3 hours long. However, once I started out I ended up exploring randonmly for about 4 hours. I thought the trails were hard to follow with out a GPS, but it is easy to explore without losing the shore line, as long as you are aware of your bearings. The map they give you is good as a means of knowing where you are in relation to the barnegat lighthouse and the island itself.

Jeff

 

[woodjin]

Nice day! Where did you put in?

Area 21 winter anchorage launch site on Island Beach

 

[dragoncjo]

Jeff, real nice pics, I really need to get out there this winter and explore that park. Have you ever seen, or has anyone ever seen any reptiles out around island beach state park? Not including diamond back terrapins. Thanks
chris

 

[ecampbell]

That's one of my favorite places to sail my Hobie Cat.