Kayaking from Plesant Mills to Crawleys Landing

[ecampbell]

On August 10, Marianne and I decided to do a long put off kayak trip. We origionally wanted to end up at the Sweetwater Casino for a late lunch but the entire waterline is bulkheaded, so we ended our trip at Crawleys instead. The water is tidal at Sweetwater, high tide being at 3:00 PM, but we went anyway and found it not bad.

I'm supprised we didn't see you Jeff, we were on the water from 12:00 till 2:30. We chose Crawleys because they have restrooms and a nice launch. They only charge a $5 fee on the weekends, but the place is nuts then, so don't go on the weekend.

We started at the Mullica canoe launch on 542 just west of Batsto. This was the first time for me and I found the contrast between the forrest and populated side of the river very interesting. The people who live there have a real gem, a beautiful unobstructed view and lots of quiet. The south/west bank near 542 has been populated for a very long time and there are lots of structures that show it. Old stone structures and rotting docks and piers.

Most all of the houses are well kept, but there are a few knock downs and rebuilds for anyone who gets the bug.

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And did I mention all the strange things to be seen along the banks?
This sign is in the river and says "HEALTH WALK 2 MILES", and it looks like there was a pier running along the bank.

http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=331&pos=2

An old truck

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The pines taking over a neglected boat

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The Jockey

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By the time we reached the Forks the river opened up

http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=331&pos=7
Can you believe that people on the right bank have to live with this view?

Here there were lots of flowers in bloom, and we saw a Cardinal flower for the first time

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They were growing on the banks and even fully submerged!

Then came the Sweetwater Casino, right before Crowleys

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From Crowleys we drove around to the Casino for a great lunch.
We found it to be a really plesant change from the deep river paddeling we usuually do, and will be back.

Ed

 

[pinelandpaddler]

My dog never fails to growl and bark at the jockey every time we pass by it.

Did you see the remains of the old Batsto-Elwood road bridge, Ed? Lots of interesting history in this little area of the Forks.

 

[woodjin]

Great report Ed, nice shots too. I didn't hit the river till 5:30 pm. I never made it west of the forks but I will have to next time. I noticed the contrast of the tidal mullica to the lower Basto. Very dramatic. Arrow Ariums everywhere huh? Nice purple flowers. That Jockey scared the Hell out of me. I was huging the north shore and I came up on him quick. Worst of all, he scared the Hell out of me on the way back also. I gotta remember he's there!

Jeff

 

[woodjin]

Wait now, purple flowers, might have just been pickerel weed. Bob?

 

[bobpbx]

You're learning Jeff. Yes, Pickeral Weed.

 

[Teegate]

Nice report Ed! I can't believe that truck is still there. You would think someone would have offered enough for the owner to sell.

Oh...and those Canon Camera's take some mighty nice photo's don't they?

Guy

 

[uuglypher]

http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=331&pos=7
Can you believe that people on the right bank have to live with this view?

Indeed! Just tragic !
Y'd think there'd be a guv'mint program to relieve their sufferin'...