I have canoed from Quaker Bridge to the dam on Basto. I was wondering what the major differences are between the four rivers. This is defintely the way I want to see the Pine Barrens before the summer crowd is coming. Are Sundays in April/May as crowded as Saturdays in April/May?
Oswego, Wading, Mullica, Basto Rivers
- Thread starter virgos
- Start date
Let me take an offbeat, unusual, personal stab at that based upon memory:
Batsto; Tight, dark, primitive, historical. The river less traveled.
Mullica: Traffic jam on some days. A well-traveled River. Long, long. Beloved.
Wading: Ditto to the Mullica. More twisty, more deciduous. Gangs of teens.
Oswego: The jewel of the Pines if you catch it just right. Cedar-lined, tempermental. Clean.
Rancocas: Stately, ancient. Dark amber. Many choices, but is swallowed by civilization in the end.
Cedar: Crystal depths, unsullied. Less discovered, less traveled. Longer than seems on the map.
The key is to go early. If you are renting be the first one there. If you have your own....sunrise. If you go in the pack the vegetation is floating in the water, and the water is not clear.
Do the Oswego at sunrise and take your time, and whatever you do get out and walk through some of the hidden swamps along the way and check out the flowers and plants.
Guy
Do the Oswego at sunrise and take your time, and whatever you do get out and walk through some of the hidden swamps along the way and check out the flowers and plants.
Guy
I know it's not easy but taking weekdays off is the key. That is when I have had my most enjoyable paddles. Find a way. I find the Mullica pretty easy going and parts of the Batsto dark and brooding. That bit from Quaker Bridge to Batsto grooves but you do need the water up for it to be good.
Bob, Nice renderings sir!
G.
Bob, Nice renderings sir!
G.
Virgos,
I'm most familiar with the Batsto and the Mullica. One notable difference that comes to mind is that the Batsto passes through thicker and more prominent cedar swamps. I'd also say that the Mullica has a greater number of savannahs lining its banks. Another prop of the mullica is that there is a significant stretch that passes through an extensive maple swamp. Very beautiful place. The Batso has her agreeable quirks too, mind you. ( :
I'm most familiar with the Batsto and the Mullica. One notable difference that comes to mind is that the Batsto passes through thicker and more prominent cedar swamps. I'd also say that the Mullica has a greater number of savannahs lining its banks. Another prop of the mullica is that there is a significant stretch that passes through an extensive maple swamp. Very beautiful place. The Batso has her agreeable quirks too, mind you. ( :
Batsto is really the river less traveled. It would seem
Basto is really the river less traveled. It would seem to me it would be the most traveled. Just because of where it ends up. Based on your email I'm going to enjoy Oswego next. From the Lake to Harrisville Pond.
Basto is really the river less traveled. It would seem to me it would be the most traveled. Just because of where it ends up. Based on your email I'm going to enjoy Oswego next. From the Lake to Harrisville Pond.
When would you say the level goes down on the rivers. It was plenty high on Sunday. Thank you in advance
We work a nine day work schedule which gives me every other Friday off. I have the Batsto to myself, it's great!
The Mullica is still very tidal right up to Pleasant Mills. It can be a good paddle or a damp walk depending. Just an FYI.
G.
