All,
Back on 5/8 Bob sent this edited announcement out to all members of PBX explaining out final full PBX hike until the fall.
Greetings….my gnarly band of bushwhacking explorers!
It is Springtime on the Western Branch of the Tulpehocken, so lets see if that fabled stream is a good area for Arethusa orchids.
For the Big Trip this year we’ll meet on Jenkins Road about ½ mile east of the entrance to Wading Pines Campground. From there we’ll consolidate and drop off one vehicle at Hawkins’ Bridge. We’ll take another one up to the waypoint “Park”, high in the wilds of the Western Tulpehocken—far from the maddening crowds. We’ll pick our way down along the stream, enjoying the day and checking out the scenery. If we happen to see some orchids, critters, or other interesting growth, all the better. We’ll end the trip at Hawkins Bridge.
This is a departure from the usual big trip, usually held in early May, and usually a longer trip. This trip is about 4.5 miles. While the weather may be warmer and a tad more humid, we will have plenty of vegetation to cover us and we’ll always be near the river. I have chosen early June as there is a 90% chance of no pine flies, and the mean temperature is about 70 degrees in June. Going any later would be pushing it.
Will we return wet and muddy? I hope so.
Happy Trails!..........Bob
So we started our day just off of Tuckerton Road semi close to the JCRR and our first order of business was to get a group photo. On this hike was for the first time Piney Mike, and John who is a friend of Mickey's. The regulars were Gabe (pinelandpaddler), Chris (Hewey), Al (manumuskin), Mickey, Scott (RednekF350), Bob (bobpbx), me(TeeGate), and Paul.
A closer look. You may need to click on the photo and scroll.
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/06052011/IMG_7641a.jpg
Blue Flag Iris
Orchids! I fought my way through the muck to get this one.
Rose Pagonia
Bob
This tributary is as black as oil.
One of the many Beaver Dams along the way. They are in control.
Bog Asphodel ready to open. This was a very nice find! Bob picked these location from aerial photo's thinking they may be where we wanted to be and he was spot on!
You may need to click on the photo for a larger view
Grass Pink
Al spotted this Curly Grass Fern. This is a hard plant to photograph.
Jeff (Woodjin) was not able to make the hike; however, he was able to kayak up the Tulp where we met up with him. We kept in contact by phone until we converged.
Then it was over, and we all headed back to the Wading Pines Campground for our end of the season Cookout. A great day with great folks! I am sure others will add to this and I will soon have a few video's up.
Guy
Back on 5/8 Bob sent this edited announcement out to all members of PBX explaining out final full PBX hike until the fall.
Greetings….my gnarly band of bushwhacking explorers!
It is Springtime on the Western Branch of the Tulpehocken, so lets see if that fabled stream is a good area for Arethusa orchids.
For the Big Trip this year we’ll meet on Jenkins Road about ½ mile east of the entrance to Wading Pines Campground. From there we’ll consolidate and drop off one vehicle at Hawkins’ Bridge. We’ll take another one up to the waypoint “Park”, high in the wilds of the Western Tulpehocken—far from the maddening crowds. We’ll pick our way down along the stream, enjoying the day and checking out the scenery. If we happen to see some orchids, critters, or other interesting growth, all the better. We’ll end the trip at Hawkins Bridge.
This is a departure from the usual big trip, usually held in early May, and usually a longer trip. This trip is about 4.5 miles. While the weather may be warmer and a tad more humid, we will have plenty of vegetation to cover us and we’ll always be near the river. I have chosen early June as there is a 90% chance of no pine flies, and the mean temperature is about 70 degrees in June. Going any later would be pushing it.
Will we return wet and muddy? I hope so.
Happy Trails!..........Bob
So we started our day just off of Tuckerton Road semi close to the JCRR and our first order of business was to get a group photo. On this hike was for the first time Piney Mike, and John who is a friend of Mickey's. The regulars were Gabe (pinelandpaddler), Chris (Hewey), Al (manumuskin), Mickey, Scott (RednekF350), Bob (bobpbx), me(TeeGate), and Paul.
A closer look. You may need to click on the photo and scroll.
http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/06052011/IMG_7641a.jpg
Blue Flag Iris
Orchids! I fought my way through the muck to get this one.
Rose Pagonia
Bob
This tributary is as black as oil.
One of the many Beaver Dams along the way. They are in control.
Bog Asphodel ready to open. This was a very nice find! Bob picked these location from aerial photo's thinking they may be where we wanted to be and he was spot on!
You may need to click on the photo for a larger view
Grass Pink
Al spotted this Curly Grass Fern. This is a hard plant to photograph.
Jeff (Woodjin) was not able to make the hike; however, he was able to kayak up the Tulp where we met up with him. We kept in contact by phone until we converged.
Then it was over, and we all headed back to the Wading Pines Campground for our end of the season Cookout. A great day with great folks! I am sure others will add to this and I will soon have a few video's up.
Guy
I always enjoy exploring with him because it never is a dull moment.
