BATONA TRAIL HIKE

October 2002. I slacked off for 2-3 months waiting on my knee to improve, but I became antsy when the cool fall weather arrived. (I am a cold weather jock. I jogged for years and I generally felt best when the temperature was around 35-40 degrees.) I perused my extensive maps inventory and picked a trail in New Jersey for my next knee test. The Batona Trail, about 50 miles in length is part of the Wharton Forest located in the New Jersey Pinelands; sounded good to me.

October 4th. I drove to Batsto, NJ and arrived there about 17:00. I hoisted my 35 lb pack on my back and started out on the yellow trail, which meanders near the Mullica River, and I arrived at the Mullica River Campsite about 18:00. A short hike, but my knee felt good. Mullica River is a "wilderness camp." You must hike in; no cars, bikes, etc., allowed. I was the only one there, and in fact, something I only realized later, I did not meet another hiker on the trail for four days. The campsite is on the bank of the river, and it includes a fresh water pump and two privies. I set up my tent, and then I cranked up the stove and heated water for my entrée, Mountain Home Macaroni & Beef. Dessert was a Power bar & coffee.

October 5th. There were a couple of showers last night, but nothing heavy. I slept late and did not emerge until 08:30. I popped my knee leaving the tent; an ominous sign, but no lasting pain. Breakfast was a bag of Natural high Granola and coffee. I like the freeze-dried Granola, because it is easy to prepare; simply add water and stir, but it is expensive; $3.50 for a cereal breakfast. A little rich, I think, but all of the freeze-dried food is expensive; the dinners are double that price. The Granola is very filling and a good meal to start the day with. I was filling my water bottles from the campsite pump when I heard a noise, and looked up to see a Forest Ranger approaching in his 4x4. We waved and he did not stop. A visual check I assumed; The Wharton Forest has strict rules for using the campgrounds, and I had made advance reservations for my stay there.

I departed at 10:30 for the Lower Forge campsite. I missed the trail for cutting across to the Batsto River and to Lower Forge and when I discovered my navigation error, I was too far along to turn back; I continued on North on the yellow trail and I arrived at the Atsion campground at 15:00. I had hiked about 6-7 miles from Mullica River and my knee hurt; I decided to spend the night there.

October 6th. 08:00. It was chilly last night and I needed my sleeping bag. A rooster woke me earlier. I slept in for another hour and enjoyed the early morning sounds; birds, crickets, and a second rooster, crowing a different melody. Coffee time, then plan today's hike.

I departed Ation @ 12:00 on a sandy road—no trail. I met several horse and buggy riders and I assumed there was an event scheduled for the area, but when I stopped and talked to one of the buggy riders, she told me no, that it was simply a good place to ride and that there were always horse and buggy rider groups out on nice weekends. I asked her if I could feed her Shetland pony and she said yes. I put some trail-mix in my hand and held it out for his inspection. He greedily licked it off my palm, but I stupidly stuck my finger in his mouth and he bit me. A gentle bite (for him), but he would not let go. I had visions of rushing to the emergency room with my severed finger, or worse, watching it disappear down his throat, but after licking and chewing the last morsel of trail-mix off my appendage, he released it.

I passed horseback riders too and I spooked one of the horses. The owner said it was my backpack. After that, I stood to the side of the road until they passed.

I arrived at the Quaker Road Bridge (4.2 miles) at 13:30 and stopped for a break. I watched three kayakers pass under the bridge. It is beautiful there.

I arrived at Lower Forge, on the Batsto River, at 14:15. No one was there, and I had the place to myself. I stripped and soaked up the last of the sun’s rays. It felt good this late in the year. Then I read Oleander.

Later, about dark, I heard a strange call, like an owl, but different. He repeated it once.

It was cooler that night and I wore my long pants to bed. Later my strange bird friend serenaded me again. It is a strange feeling to be alone in the forest at night. The sounds are amplified especially the ones close-by; a squirrel scampering on the leaves can sound like a moose coming through the woods. The trees shut out the moon and the stars, and the night sky is like a dark blanket. Unsettling at first, but later it is beyond peaceful; you do not want to return to civilization.

October 7th. I broke camp at 09:30 and hiked for about 1.5 miles, when I decided I did not want to backtrack tomorrow and return to the same camp, and I turned around and headed south for Batsto, about 12 miles away. I arrived in Batsto at 16:00, tired and with a nice blister on my left foot; I think my boots are a ½ size too large. I changed my campsite reservations, jumped in the car and drove back to the Atsion family campground and a hot shower that night.

October 8th. I spent the day reorganizing my backpack and re-thinking my long-range plans. I was very tired yesterday after only 4 days of hiking. I cannot carry that much weight; certainly not in the mountains. I must get in shape—serious condition—and re-evaluate my planning assumptions about what is, and is not necessary to carry on a thru-hike. I have a lot of work to do.