The Historical Forks, A PBX Hike

[Teegate]

All,

Earlier this month Bob sent this edited email out to all members of PBX.


Hey explorers,

That last trip was tough for some of us old guys. So, in order to have a fun and easy day, a day of friendship, gabbing, and laughs, we are going to visit the legendary Forks, where the Batsto meets the mighty Mullica.

We should get some good fall color, with huckleberry, black gum, red maple, and sassafras. Let’s hope it’s a nice, sunny, crisp day!

This is just south of Batsto Village. This trip is about 3 miles, no sweat. EASY!

Let me know if you plan to come.

Happy Trails!


If you ask them, they will come. And come they did ...... the biggest turnout in 20 years! And some had last minute commitments and were unable to attend.

We expolored the area between Batsto and the Forks crossing the woods in places we have mentioned in previous posts.

At this location Bob gave us a little show in the video just below.

Bob on the rope swing at Budweiser Beach. Have your volume up.


A really nice area in the middle of the oxbow.

Lunch time!

A nice size turtle shell.

In a week or so I will move this to the full PBX page.

 

[bobpbx]

Nice photos Guy! A nice 3-miler or so. I really like that photo of this turnout, and we didn't lose anyone. 26 years, oh my!

 

[bobpbx]

A couple photos, I did not take much, was just relaxing and looking around. This first one is at the end of the groove in the swamp. You can't see it, but on the right side is an extensive back-water area. These are phone photos, unfortunately.

 

[bobpbx]

I thought those dead cedars quite unique and distinctive.

 

[RednekF350]

I thought those dead cedars quite unique and distinctive.

View attachment 25727

I believe beaver activity brought those on. I noticed a lot of old beaver activity in the very beginning of the hike and near the beach area we visited after lunch. The one area, I think where you took that picture, had some fresh beaver activity. Seems like most of them have been trapped out of there. I did not notice any dams or lodges.

 

[RednekF350]

It was a great feeling to get back together with a lot of good friends. The weather was stellar and the skies were perfect for grabbing some beautiful fall shots. Best of all, the tailgate location way back deep in the holler, without an actual tailgate in sight, was priceless.

 

[Rooftree]

I didn't take any photos during the hike, but you may find the two articles in this link intetesting. One deals with the area we were exploring. I actually found this article while googling the Fenninger property near the Oyster Creek Power Plant. Do you agree what Charle Leek said about the Mullica?

BTW, I had a great time yesterday meeting new and old faces.

https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/9a44ab70-4f9e-4c10-a8f4-45dbde599020.pdf

 

[bobpbx]

I didn't take any photos during the hike, but you may find the two articles in this link intetesting. One deals with the area we were exploring. I actually found this article while googling the Fenninger property near the Oyster Creek Power Plant. Do you agree what Charle Leek said about the Mullica?

BTW, I had a great time yesterday meeting new and old faces.

https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/9a44ab70-4f9e-4c10-a8f4-45dbde599020.pdf

Ron, I read that, which part do you mean, this one: "once you get the smell of the Mullica up your nose, all other smells stink".

 

[bobpbx]

Interesting that the big Island at the Forks is actually quite open after you get past the tight ring of trees and vegetation on the margin. Why, I'm thinking of building a cabin in there.

 

[bobpbx]

A really nice photo from David, one of the newer guys who came along.

 

[M1 Abrams]

At the end of Sunday's hike, I couldn't help asking my companions how many combined PBX hikes were represented in our group. The consensus was, a whole lot. Coincidentally, a whole lot also sums up how much I enjoyed the day. It was an honor to finally meet several PBX veterans who I had first encountered by reading past PBX trip reports. It was also a real pleasure to hike with a few folks who got to share the same special experience that I had back in May, going on their first PBX hike. Thanks again to Scott and Dottie for making my first PBX tailgate the cherry on top of a memorable day.

To each and every one of my fellow hikers, thanks. I am in your debt.

Our first checkpoint along the Mullica.

Looking down the Batsto later in the day.

 

[Rooftree]

Ron, I read that, which part do you mean, this one: "once you get the smell of the Mullica up your nose, all other smells stink".

Yes. The whole last paragraph of the article. I guess you have to live along the Mullica all your life to appreicate for what it is.

 

[manumuskin]

I didn't take any photos during the hike, but you may find the two articles in this link intetesting. One deals with the area we were exploring. I actually found this article while googling the Fenninger property near the Oyster Creek Power Plant. Do you agree what Charle Leek said about the Mullica?

BTW, I had a great time yesterday meeting new and old faces.

https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/WebContentFiles/9a44ab70-4f9e-4c10-a8f4-45dbde599020.pdf

Im descended from Eric Mullica i believe hes twelve generations back. Will have to check. On Dads side, moms folks are from the mountains.

 

[manumuskin]

Im descended from Eric Mullica i believe hes twelve generations back. Will have to check. On Dads side, moms folks are from the mountains.

 

[bobpbx]

Very cool Al.