Canoeing the New Jersey Pine Barrens

With summer here it's a great time to brush up on your canoeing and kayaking skills.  A prime place to do that is in the Pine Barrens region of Southern New Jersey on the Wading River.  Pick up some sandwiches for lunch and rent a canoe or kayak (single or double) from Micks Canoe and Kayak Rental (http://www.mickscanoerental.com/) and pick your poison.  Mick's offers put-in and take-out points that will yield trip lengths of between 4.1 and 15.7 miles.  Camping is also an option along the river.  One great option for a nice day includes a put-in at Hawkin Bridge for a three hour, 5.8 mile cruise.  Extending the trip a bit down to Beaver Branch will take about five hours to travel the 9.8 miles.  Any route you choose will not leave you bored.  The winding river is full of downed (but passable) trees, and a few small tributaries will keep you on your toes.  This is also a great opportunity to get your favorite four-legged explorer out for some action with the family.  Mick's will transport dogs in the bus to and from the river.  So grab the dog, pick up some sandwiches and get on the river. Our thanks to our friend Rabecca Shaw for allowing us to use her pictures. [geo_mashup_map]