Bel Haven Paddlesports  Bel Haven Lake 

1953 - 2008 CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF SERVICE!

 

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Bel Haven Buddies

 

  Weeknight and/or weekend paddling trips.
  Please inform us of paddling preferences so
  that we may organize a FREE "Bel Haven Buddie" experience!
   ●  Days/Dates/Times/Length of Trips

We need your

   ●  Historical Guided Leaders

feedback!

   ●  Photography Instruction/Tour
   ●  Fishing Partners

Contact Barbara at

   ●  Family Nights

belhaven@verizon.net

   ●  Additional Ideas

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

Bel Haven Buddies is a group of Bel Haven customers and friends with the common interest in paddling the beautiful waters of the       Wharton State Forest. 

Bel Haven’s management is delighted to facilitate the adventures of Bel Haven Buddies by bringing the group together with able historians, photographers, astronomers, environmentalists, naturalists, fisherman and others for paddling tours with a point of view. 

Add to your enjoyment of paddling in the “Pines” with those who know and will share the forest and rivers from their unique perspectives.

 

WELCOME 2008 SEASON! 
Bel Haven Buddies Trip 5/20/08 

 

Hello Bel Haven "Buddies"... and the 2008 Season! 

 

Bel Haven Paddlesports is scheduling

the next "Buddies" trip for Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 on the Mullica River.  We will kick off the season with our staple paddle trip and traditional MOONLIGHT VENTURE; Pleasant Mills to Bel Haven Marina.  The "full" moon is just one day prior on the 19th; so with a clear crisp night this leisurely paddle should be a splendid treat!  The trip will be led by Joel Nealy and/or Jim Markel & Bill Bell.    

 

Paddlers are to check in at BHP; Green Bank by 5:30 pm. BHP will provide round trip transportation.  $5.00 per boat (for private transports) & $10.00 per boat (for rentals).  BHP will have a bus available at Crowley's Landing for those who choose to complete the trip at this point.

 

Under our trip rating system:

This paddle will be rated "Yellow": CAUTION - due to: seasonal air, water temperatures and possible tidal conditions.  Trip would otherwise be rated "Green": EASY - flat water and no more than a moderate current.  Please dress and pack for paddling conditions!  It is best to layer-on "proper apparel"! (avoid cotton).  It is advisable to pack an extra set of clothing preferably in a dry bag. 

 

All participants must make a reservation.

It is recommended that you make reservations with either Jim Markel or Maureen Walters at BHP; 800-445-0953.  Or you may contact us at belhaven@verizon.net.  If you make reservations by email, please state the name(s) of all paddlers, telephone contact number(s) and whether you are bringing a private transport(s) (including manufacturer, model, color) or your request for a rental boat.

 

DATE: May 20th, 2008 

 

MEET AT:  BHP; Green Bank

 

ARRIVAL / CHECK-IN TIME:  5:30 pm

 

DEPARTURE TIME: 6:00 pm

 

TRIP:  Mullica River: Pleasant Mills to Bel Haven Marina                          

 

APPROX. PADDLE TIME:  2 - 3 hours

                                         

COST:    $5.00 per boat (private transports)

or

   $10.00 per boat (rentals)

 

 

 

("Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!...")

spring/summer 2008
PADDLE DESTINATION GUIDE
 
AVAILABLE NOW...
Visit Us Or Call For Your Copy Today!
$5.00
 Your "River Map" to the Alternative!
 
Don't Forget Our Fiesta 55th Anniversary Celebration
May 24th & 25th!
Details coming soon...

 

New Years Paddle January 5, 2008

Hello all Bel Haven “Buddies”!

Bel Haven Paddlesports wishes everyone a Healthy and Happy Holidays!  To bring in the New Year, BHP is scheduling the next “Buddies” trip for Saturday, January 5th, 2008 on the upper Batsto River within the Wharton State Forest (Burlington County).  The 3.0-4.0 hour (6.5 mile) paddle will commence at Hampton Furnace and end at Quaker Bridge.  The trip will be led by Joel Nealy and co-led by Steve Walters and/or Jim Markel.   

Participants should plan to arrive at BHP’s Green Bank Store by 9:00 am to park their cars and sign-in for the trip.  BHP will provide a bus to the starting point and then return participants back to the store from the ending point.  There will be a minimal cost of $5.00 per boat (for participants using their own boats) or $15.00 per boat (for participants renting boats).

Please note that this trip is more ideally suited for shorter boats 12-foot and under due to the narrow, winding nature of this section of river, combined with occasional obstructions. 

Under our trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Yellow”: CAUTION - for more experienced paddlers, due to the seasonally colder air and water temperatures.  This trip would otherwise be rated “Green”: EASY - ALL FLATWATER, non-tidal, and no more than a moderate current. 

Please dress appropriately for winter paddling conditions!  It is best to layer-on “proper apparel” (e.g. dry suits, neoprene, wool, polypropylene, fleece, etc.) that will dry quickly and keep you warm if you get wet (avoid cotton).  It is also advisable to always pack an extra set of dry clothing in a dry bag. 

All participants must make advance reservations.  Please note that BHP will be closed from Monday, December 24th, 2007 through Tuesday, January 1, 2008; and re-open on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.  Through the holidays, you can make your reservations with BHP by email at belhaven@verizon.net.  Please note the name of all participants, telephone contact number(s) in the event of a trip change, and designate whether the participant(s) will be renting a boat or having BHP transport the participant’s boat.  After the holidays, you can make reservations by calling Bel Haven Paddlesports at 800-445-0953, and ask for Jim Markel.  Also, please call Jim if you have any questions regarding the conditions or nature of this trip.

DATE: January 5th, 2008  

 MEET AT:  BHP’s Green Bank store

 ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  9:00 am

 DEPARTURE TIME: 9:30 am from BHP’s Green Bank store

 PADDLE TRIP:  Batsto River: Hampton Furnace to Quaker Bridge

 APPROX. PADDLE TIME:  3.0 – 4.0 hours (Tentative completion time 2:00 pm)

 

 

Trip December 8, 2007

 

Hello all Bel Haven “Buddies”!

The next “Buddies” trip will be our “Holiday” Paddle scheduled for Saturday, December 8th, 2007 on the upper Maurice River in Cumberland County.  The 2.5-3.0 hour paddle will commence at Willow Grove Lake (Weymouth Road/County Road-690) and end at Vineland - West Side Park (Almond Road/County Road-540).  The group will take a short break at Garden Road, the half way point, before continuing down river.  The trip will be led by Jim Markel and co-led by Steve Walters and Joel Nealy.  

As an additional highlight of this trip, we are encouraging all participants to meet at Bel Haven Paddlesports’ new satellite location within Landi Pools & Games (Wheaton Plaza, Millville) by 11:00 am.  Participant’s are encouraged to arrive early in order to tour the new Millville store.  From there, BHP will provide a bus to the starting point and then return participants back to the store at the end of the trip.  Alternatively, participants may also meet at BHP’s main store in Green Bank by 10:00 am for transportation on our bus to Millville.

Please note that this trip is more ideally suited for shorter boats 12-foot and under due to the narrow, winding nature of this section of river, combined with occasional obstructions.  Under our trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Yellow”: CAUTION - for more experienced paddlers, due to the seasonally colder air and water temperatures.  Please dress appropriately for winter paddling conditions!  It is best to layer-on “proper apparel” (e.g. wool, polypropylene, etc.) that will keep you warm if you get  wet (avoid cotton).  It is also advisable to always pack an extra set of dry clothing in a dry bag.  The trip would otherwise be rated “Green”: EASY - ALL FLATWATER, non-tidal, and no more than a moderate current    

All participants must make advance reservations.  Please call Bel Haven Paddlesports at 800-445-0953, and ask for Jim Markel or e-mail Jim at belhaven@verizon.net  to reserve your space.  Please let us know, as early as possible, whether you will be seeking transportation from the Green Bank store (space may be limited) or the Millville store, and whether you plan to rent a boat or have us transport your own boat.  Also, please call Jim if you have any questions regarding conditions or the nature of this trip.

 (“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: December 8th,  2007  

MEET AT:  (1) BHP’s Green Bank store by 10:00 am.

or

(2) BHP’s new satellite location in Landi Pools & Games by 11:00 am.

(1601 North High Street, Wheaton Plaza, Millville)

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  see above

DEPARTURE TIME: 11:30 am from Landi Pools & Games

PADDLE:  Maurice River: Willow Grove Lake (Weymouth Road/CR-690)

to Vineland City - West Side Park (Almond Road/CR-540)

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  2.5-3.0 hours

NEED TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE 2008 STOCK!

Some GREAT 2007 gear for year round paddling is in at SPECIAL Prices…!              

Dry Tops/Jackets, Splash Tops, Paddling Pants, Gloves, Shoes,

 

 

Trip May 26, 2007

 

Hi All “Buddies”!...Just back from Arkansas...

In search for the Ivory Billed Woodpecker & completing research for Cornell University…World Series of Birding Champ, Buster Raff will lead the next “Buddies” trip!

This “Buddies” trip will be Saturday, May 26, 2007, Wading River; Beaver Branch to Marigold Creek!  I am sure many have not ventured past Beaver Branch on the Wading River.  This expedition should provide excellent wildlife viewing!  4:30 pm – 5:00 pm meet at BHP with a 5:30 pm departure time!  BHP is back to seasonal rentals so schedules count once again for availability of buses.  The trip will be co-led by Joel Nealy & Bel Haven’s newest addition as Livery Manager, Jim Markel.

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Green”; FLATWATER but water temperatures are still cold & air temperatures change quickly as the sun starts to set.  Please dress appropriately for mid spring paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.  Bugs may be an issue…bring Bug Repellent as all evening paddles should require!

Call either Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, leave a message or feel free to call Barbara 609-703-7186 or Steve Walters 856-297-4698.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours as well as any questions regarding conditions and the nature of this trip.  Thank you!

(“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: May 26, 2007

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  4:30 - 5:00 pm

DEPARTURE TIME: 5:30 pm

STARTING POINT:  6:00 pm; History of Area 

PADDLE:  Wading River; Beaver Branch to Marigold Creek

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  2 - 3  hours   

 

 

 

“PADDLE PROGRAM”

June 30th & July 1st

Group Instruction Weekend

Recreational, Touring, Whitewater & Canoe Training

 

 

BEL HAVEN "BUDDIES"

Trip April 14, 2007

Hi All “Buddies”!...Do we have any Accountants among the “Buddies”?...Calling for you now!

The next “Buddie” trip will be Saturday, April 14, 2007, Oswego River; Oswego Lake to Harrisville Lake!  This is the “TaxMan Trip”!  Relax one last time before your taxes are due!  9:30 am – 10:00 am meet at BHP with a 10:30 am departure time!  BHP is back to seasonal rentals so schedules count once again for availability of buses.  The trip will be led by Joel Nealy and Moko.

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Yellow”; FLATWATER but cold combination of water & air temperatures and 2 portages.  Please dress appropriately for early spring paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.

Call either Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, leave a message or feel free to call Barbara 609-703-7186 or Steve Walters 856-297-4698.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours as well as any questions regarding conditions and the nature of this trip.  “Buddies” may meet at starting point (10:45 am), however; please inform Barbara so we know how many folks to expect.  Thank you!

(“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: April 14, 2007

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  9:30 - 10:00 pm (Hot Coffee & Chocolate)

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:30 pm

STARTING POINT:  10:45 pm; History of Area and Conditions Discussion. 

PADDLE:  Oswego River; Oswego Lake to Harrisville Lake

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  3 - 3 ½ hours            

BEL HAVEN "BUDDIES"

Trip January 1, 2007

Hi All “Buddies”! 

The next “Buddie” trip will be the ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DAY PADDLE, January 1, 2007 at 12:00 noon; Maurice River, Fowser Road; Cumberland County!  This time we are paddling north to the Union Lake Dam; opposite last trip.  The river is narrow and naturally protected.  The trip will be led by Steve Walters & Joel Nealy.

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Green”/“Yellow”; FLATWATER but based on seasonal water & air temperatures.  Please dress appropriately for winter paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.

Since Bel Haven will be closed for the holiday week; call either Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, leave a message or feel free to call Barbara 609-703-7186 or Steve Walters 856-297-4698.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours as well as any questions regarding conditions and the nature of this trip.  “Buddies” may meet at starting point (12:00 noon), however; please inform Barbara so we know how many folks to expect.  Thank you!

(“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: January 1, 2007

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  10:00 - 10:30 am (Hot Coffee & Chocolate)

DEPARTURE TIME: 11:00 am

STARTING POINT:  12:00 noon; History of Area and Conditions Discussion. 

PADDLE:  Maurice River; Fowser Road to Union Lake

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  2 – 2 ½ hours           

                                                    

 

BEL HAVEN "BUDDIES"

Trip December 16, 2006

Hi All “Buddies”! 

The next “Buddie” trip will be the HOLIDAY “PADDLE PARTY”*, DECEMBER 16TH at 10:30 am; Mullica River; Constable Bridge to Thurston Avenue!  The trip will be led by Joe Nealy; President.

The “Buddies” will be exposed to a great guest speaker and good friend of Bel Haven, Joe Warren.  Joe will conduct an abbreviated version of his “paddling strokes” workshop prior to the departure.  Then at the starting point; Constable Bridge, Joel Nealy will narrate the history of the upper Mullica River as to how it relates to Santa Claus traveling on an “Ore Barge” transporting iron to Batsto Furnace.  “The Pineys” then known as the “Quakers”, made the coal for Santa used in today’s modern times for the naughty children…

Want to Learn More?  Come and paddle with the “Buddies” Saturday December 16th followed by our annual Holiday (naughty or nice) Party!*

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Green”/“Yellow”; FLATWATER but possible wind conditions, modest tidal current and seasonal water temperatures.  Please dress appropriately for winter paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.

 Call Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, ask for Barbara or e-mail Barbara at belhaven@verizon.net  and reserve your space.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours.  Also, please feel free to call either Barbara or Steve Walters (856-297-4698) if you have any questions regarding conditions or the nature of this trip.  *Covered dish is requested but not mandatory for the holiday party!  Feel free to party without the paddle.  “Buddies” can check with Barbara to see how you can help! Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!...LOOK FOR THE NEXT “BUDDIES” TRIP;                              OUR ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S DAY PADDLE; JANUARY 1ST!

 (“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: December 16, 2006  

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  9:30 – 10:30 am (Hot Coffee & Chocolate)

GUEST SPEAKER WORKSHOP:  Joe Warren  10:00 – 10:30 am        

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:30 am

STARTING POINT:  11:00 am; History of Area and Conditions Discussion. 

PADDLE:  Mullica River; Constable Bridge to Thurston Avenue

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  1 – 1 ½ hours           

HOLDIAY PARTY:   3:00 pm *(after paddle); *Covered dish                                          

 

BEL HAVEN "BUDDIES"

Trip November 25, 2006

 

Hi All “Buddies”! 

The next “Buddie” trip, will be on the Maurice River, Saturday, November 25th, at 12:00 pm; Fowser Road.  Here you go folks, a paddle in Cumberland County!  The trip will be led by Steve “Walters” and co-lead by Mrs. “Walters”, Maureen. 

Please dress appropriately for fall paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Yellow”; for more experienced paddlers due to possible wind conditions, modest tidal current and seasonal water temperature. 

Call Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, ask for Barbara or e-mail Barbara at belhaven@verizon.net  and reserve your space.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours.  Also, please feel free to call either Barbara or Steve Walters (856-297-4698) if you have any questions regarding conditions or the nature of this trip.  “Buddies” may meet at starting point (11:30 am), however; please inform Barbara so we know how many folks to expect.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!...LOOK FOR THE NEXT “BUDDIES” TRIP; OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY “PADDLE PARTY”, DECEMBER 16TH!

 (“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: November 25, 2006  

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  9:30 – 10:30 am

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:30 am!!!

STARTING POINT:  11:30 am; Introduction, History of Area and Conditions Discussion. 

PADDLE:  Maurice River; Fowser Road

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  3 – 3 ½ hours                                                                       

Trip November 5, 2006

Hi All “Buddies”!  Sorry for the last minute notice…

The next “Buddie” trip, will be on the Oswego River, Sunday, November 5th, at 10:00 am; Oswego Lake to Harrisville Lake.  The trip will be led by Moko and co-lead by Chris, “The Wise One”. 

Please dress appropriately for fall paddling conditions!  Layering on proper “apparel” is the best bet.

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Green”; “EASY”; ALL FLATWATERIt is also rated “Yellow”; for more experienced paddlers due to a portage, wider conditions on the lakes and faster water levels. 

Call Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, ask for Barbara or e-mail Barbara at belhaven@verizon.net  and reserve your space.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours.  Also, please feel free to call either Barbara or Steve Walters (856-297-4698) if you have any questions regarding conditions or the nature of this trip.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!...LOOK FOR THE NEXT “BUDDIES” TRIP TO PADDLE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY FOR THE 19th OF NOVEMBER!               Just awaiting details from the leader…This time we mean it! 

(“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: November 5, 2006  

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  10:00 am

DEPARTURE TIME: 10:30 am

PADDLE:  Oswego River; Oswego Lake to Harrisville Lake

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  3 – 3 ½  hours                                                                                                          

Hi All “Buddies”!

The next “Buddie” trip Sunday, late afternoon into the evening, October 15th, will be our fall Harvest Twilight; Pleasant Mills to Bel Haven Marina.  The full moon was last Friday, 10/6 and good thing we did not attempt to venture out in that forecasted Nor’easter!  This year we will just have to compromise between the full and new moon and an earlier start!  The group will be met at Crowley’s Landing as the half way point with apple cider for a warm up break before continuing on down river to BHM! 

The trip will be led by Steve Walters and co-lead by Joel Nealy & Maureen Walters.  

Under the trip rating system, this paddle is rated “Green”; “EASY”; ALL FLATWATER tidal but moderate currentIt is also rated “Yellow”; for more experienced paddlers due to an evening/night paddle and by the half way point it will be dark!  As with all evening paddles, please be prepared with a flashlight.     

Call Bel Haven, 609-965-2205, ask for Barbara or e-mail Barbara at belhaven@verizon.net  and reserve your space.  Let us know if you need to rent a boat or we are transporting yours.  Also, please feel free to call either Barbara or Steve Walters (856-297-4698) if you have any questions regarding conditions or the nature of this trip.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!...LOOK FOR THE NEXT “BUDDIES” TRIP TO PADDLE IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY FOR THE 29TH OF OCTOBER!               Just awaiting details from the leaders…Barbara

(“Drive Less, PADDLE MORE!”)

DATE: October 15, 2006  

MEETING AT:  Bel Haven Paddlesports  

ARRIVAL/CHECK IN TIME:  3:00/3:30 pm

DEPARTURE TIME: 4:00 pm

PADDLE:  Mullica River; Pleasant Mills to Bel Haven Marina

APPROXIMATE PADDLE:  2 - 3 hours                                                                                                                         (with a half way point at CROWLEY’S LANDING and Apple Cider!)

BEL HAVEN "BUDDIES":

Trip Report: September 23 

Bel Haven “Buddies” Trip                                                                                                  

Menantico Wildlife Management Area

 

Bel Haven Buddies paddled the Menantico Creek from the boat ramp in the Wildlife Management Area the afternoon of Saturday September 23rd.  The weather forecast was bleak, as the night before it had rained and the sky was extremely overcast, but that did not deter Buddies from paddling on! 

Promptly at 12:15 P.M.  Stephen Keith., or better know as “Walters” led a brief introduction of the 14 gathered buddies, a summary of the waterways and surrounding areas.  The group discussed strategies to overcome the one known hazard of the trip, the trestle.  Only 5 of the 14 paddlers had ever completed this trek, all agreeing that the trestle could be very technical.  The water level was extremely high due to an above average rain season, however there would be no rainfall this day. The temperature was moderate, no complaints, all 14 vessels launched for the trek to the Maurice River at Route 47.

We began at the beautiful Menantico Lake, with “Walters” in the lead, Peter and Brian (Menantico experienced) paddled in the middle and “Walters” wife, Maureen and President, Joel Nealy followed the group as sweep.  The group spread out and the front paddlers were greeted by a pre-historic Blue heron at the first turn, the bird was about 10 feet from the lead prior to taking flight, AWESOME!

As we paddled on the serene lake, the group gathered for fellowship and was appraised as to the “yellow” challenge that lied ahead at the railroad trestle.  Ninety percent of the time that “Walters” had done this trip the current from the spring fed and stream fed ponds was flowing south, with about half of those times the water raged through the chokepoint trestle, however a previous day’s scouting revealed that the water was flowing north at the trestle into the ponds and was approximately 18 inches higher than normal. (Due to the new moon high tide, the scout check and today’s trip were scheduled at flood high)

With the above noted the descent through the chokepoint although technical was attainable without having to ferry extreme right and turn 45 degrees to make it through (usually the best path for most trips),  Due to the high water, paddlers could descend through the trestle by proceeding straight, (first time that I know of) through the trestle.

With all that said, “Walters” and his brother lead the descent.  All paddlers made it without panic or getting wet.  Our journey continued, through the lower ponds, although we did not see any Osprey or Bald Eagles, we did see a large black snake in the water (just hanging out to warm up and catching some sun) along with the peaceful, beautiful Menantico Creek.

We proceeded south on the Menantico underneath the route 55 overpass and all stopped to view a beautiful large homemade Osprey Nest at the next turn. As the group intersected with the rout 47 Bridge, “Walters” led a group several hundred yards south to view the Maurice River, and the last remaining diked Salt Hay farm on the river.

The wind was kicking up as waves lapped the boats, the group decided that they would not venture into the river, and tackle the Maurice another day.  As the group paddled back to the takeout all agreed that the time that we spent enjoying this portion of South Jersey was immeasurable and we would do this paddle again!

It was a pleasure to have the “Buddies” visit “Walters” neck of the woods, long time “Buddies” had a great time as well as several new “Buddies” to the group.  Thank you all!

Attached are several photos from MOKA.  Thank you.

Yours in paddling,

S.K.,                 Stephen,                        Keith,                           “Walters”

(Just don’t call me late for dinner or a paddle)

 

      

Trip Report, “Buddies” on the Wading River, Friday July 28th 2006.

This trip was planned quickly due to my schedule and I apologize for the short notice.

We had a nice size group of 16 paddlers.  The water level was high and the current was swift for this river. We paddled from Evans Bridge (at Rt.563) to Beaver Branch.

Some of our group found a Blueberry grove at the edge of the river.  I have never seen wild blueberries in such profusion.  They hung like grapes in large clusters and we feasted like bears on the delicious fruit.

We had more than the usual number of surprise swims due to the swift current.  It did not take much inattention to get caught up in the brush on the outside of the turns and tip.  As always there was a buddy willing to lend a hand.

Some of us were able to watch a beaver munching dinner and unalarmed by our presence.  It just watched us float by and then swam away never even slapping its tail in alarm.

We reached Beaver Branch right at sunset.  Everyone enjoyed the trip even the tippers!                                                            

Joel Nealy

President

 

“Buddies” trip report for 8/31 Bull Creek to Clarks Landing

We did get to sneak in a trip for August right at the last minute. We departed from Bel Haven Marina just as the tide was starting to go out.  We caught a miraculous break in the weather and the conditions were calm and dry.  It appeared to be the only dry day in the forecast with Hurricane Ernesto heading up the coast and several days of rain and overcast preceding the trip.  Earlier in the day the wind was gusting and I was afraid we would have to cancel since this section of the Mullica Riveris is all wide open water, but there was barely a ripple on the water at the time we left.  Boat traffic was minimal.  We rounded the point at Landing Creek just as it got dark so our timing was good!  The only downside of the trip was the presence of many flocks of migratory birds and waterfowl which signals the ending of summer.  But that is not the end of paddling season for the “Buddies” and we plan to continue our tradition of at least one trip a month through the fall and winter!  The autumn season affords South Jersey some of the nicest paddling with the crowds gone and the foliage turning to brighter hues.  Everyone enjoyed the trip and we look forward to the next time we can paddle together.

Joel Nealy

President

       

TRIP: June 30th 5:30 PM

NACOTE CREEK:

Port Republic to Route 9

“Bel Haven Buddies”

Trip:  Nacote Creek Report

June 30, 2006

Hi Buddies!

We had an unfortunate delay due to me being stuck out on the Batsto River with a group of students I was guiding for the day. Some of our “Buddies” arrived at the beach and wisely set off ahead of the main group.  We had our best turnout to date with 40 paddlers out on the water! Great poetry readings at the beginning and end of the trip by Barbara Spector.

The conditions could not have been nicer!  We caught the outgoing and incoming tides. There was just a slight breeze to keep the bugs off.  The water was calm.  Small fish were leaping out of the water.  Some of the group saw eagles and others saw fireworks.  We were pretty spread out with so many paddlers.  We all watched the sunset and enjoyed each others company!

All in all it was a most pleasant trip that everyone seemed to enjoy.

Joel Nealy

President

 

                                            

           

river song

 

We lunch on the river's narrow beach,

warm white sand casts out an invitation

 
to celebrate stirrings of spring. Songbirds

soar across river banks to savor the chance

 

to rejoice in sunshine. Lily pads blossom

while painted turtles cluster along tree limbs.

 

Ants march across sand mounds, mapping land.

I look at you, belly down, in the sand;

 
arms cradling your head, body easing

into blue-sky warmth. Sitting on the beach

 
I watch as the river moves, mesmerizes,

sends messages. It flows beyond my vision

 
around another bend, always turning

in some new direction. My eyes follow

 
a green-spotted leaf, spinning, floating

downstream, letting the river take it;

 

and I flow with it.

 

barbspector 6/06

 
 
 

 

 

 

GREAT EGG HARBOR TRIP: 

TRIP DATE:  February 4, 2006            

LEADERS:  Stephen Altman, Joel Nealy & Joe Warren

ARRIVAL = 9:30 AM     DEPARTURE FROM BEL HAVEN = 10:00 AM

FOR COMPLETE TRIP REPORT

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 Renovations continue…Our Retail Store is NOW OPEN!  A full line of winter accessories are available with all the new colors and fabrics!

Remember to check our website frequently, www.belhavencanoe.com and click on the Bel Haven “Buddies” link for information on planned trips, new boat lines and 2006 event schedules. 

 

 

 

LITTLE EGG HARBOR TRIP: 

TRIP DATE:  January 1, 2006             LEADERS:  Stephen Altman & Steve Walters

ARRIVAL = 9:30 AM     DEPARTURE FROM BEL HAVEN = 10:00 AM

FOR COMPLETE TRIP REPORT

 

 

ECOTOURISM TRIP:  OSWEGO TO HARRISVILLE LAKE

TRIP DATE:  December 10, 2005             LEADER:  Brian Tyrrell

ARRIVAL = 9:30 AM     DEPARTURE FROM BEL HAVEN = 10:30 AM

FOR COMPLETE TRIP REPORT

 

 

AMATEUR PHOTO FALL TRIP: HAWKINS BRIDGE TO EVANS BRIDGE

TRIP DATE:  NOVEMBER 12, 2005               LEADER:  DAVID CARR

ARRIVAL = 9:00 AM     DEPARTURE FROM BEL HAVEN = 9:30 AM

FOR COMPLETE TRIP REPORT

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historical Harvest Moon Trip:  BATSTO TO BEL HAVEN MARINA

TRIP DATE:  OCTOBER 19, 2005                   LEADER:  JOEL NEALY

ARRIVAL = 5:30 PM    DEPARTURE FROM BEL HAVEN = 6:00 PM

FOR COMPLETE TRIP REPORT

 

          

 BEL HAVEN PADDLESPORTS

Full Service Paddling Center

1227 Route 542 Green Bank, NJ  08215

1-800-445-0953

belhaven@verizon.net

Shop Hours:  Tuesday - Sunday   9:00am - 5:00pm Extended Hours For Sales & Service Thursday Evenings Till 7:00 pm!  Closed Monday

Perception, Native Watercraft, Wilderness Systems, Dagger, CROCS, Necky Kayaks, Ocean Kayaks, Jackson Kayak, Current Designs , Heritage