FOURTH ANNUAL

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES

!!!!ATTENTION ALL STRIDERS!!!!

(AND GUESTS)

For all those hearty souls who enjoy a little adventure and would like to run a 50 mile trail, but not all at once, here is your opportunity!!!!!!

leg 1 Picture

The BATONA TRAIL is a 50 mile trail that traverses through a unique area called The Pine Barrens of NJ. The trail meanders through the "Pine Barrens" of Burlington County NJ from Ong's Hat, in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest near the intersections of routes 70 and 72, to Bass River State Forest near Green Bank, NJ. The trail is a single track for the most part, with some exceptions, traversing through a mixture of oak and pine forests as well as cedar swamps. As you run this trail you will experience the sounds of nature beckoning as you wander aimlessly........lost.

The terrain on this trail varies from hills and vales to swamps. Sand underfoot is a factor in some locations, mud and water in others. On the First Annual Batona Trail Run Series in 2005 we experienced running the trail in the snow. Bear in mind obstacles are a factor. There are logs to vault and brush to bushwack through but for the most part the trail is moderately easy running and pretty well marked...for the most part. Most appealing of all is the beauty you will see, the experience of running in the woods, listening to the wind, swatting the insects and hearing the enchanting melody of the wildlife and, of course, the camaraderie of friends for rescue purposes.

This will be The Fourth Annual running of the Batona Trail Run Series. This trail run is completed in five Sundays in a five month period.

Last year we ran the trail from south to north from Bass River SF to Ongs Hat in Brendan Byrne SF because it made sense. As the winter progressed the distance to the start was less. I don't know why but this year we are running it the other way, north to south, contrary to logic and what we learned last time. Maybe because my partner El said we should run it this way.

This years schedule for the 50 mile Batona Trail Run Series 4 is as follows:

LEG #1: September 28, 2008 Ong's Hat to Pakim Pond in Brendan Byrne SF - 8.0 miles

LEG #2: October 26, 2008 Pakim Pond to Carranza in Wharton SF - 11.2 miles

LEG #3: November 16, 2008 Carranza to Batsto Village - 12.4 miles

LEG #4: December 7, 2008 Batsto Village to Evans Bridge - 9.2 miles

LEG #5: January 11, 2009 Evans Bridge to Bass River SF - 8.7 miles

All legs will begin between approximately 6 AM to 7 AM depending on location and daylight saving time.
Details of each leg will be announced approximately two weeks prior to the actual event (via e-mail) specifying times, locations and other pertinent information.
All legs will be run point to point so any voluntary assistance with transportation will be greatly appreciated.
Donations of amenities (Gatorade, snacks) will be greatly appreciated.
Historically those interested have gathered for breakfast after the trail run to "tie on the feed bag" at a determined location prior to the trip home.
Be advised as we venture farther from home these runs can take a 3 hour or more time span to complete considering travel and search and rescue operations henceforth on some legs don't expect to be home by 11 AM.
Cancellations will be rescheduled.

(PPPP) Pertinent Piney Precautionary Pronouncements

-Be prepared:

-Wear proper attire for trail running.

-Bring a cell phone.

-Water stops will be available but consider carrying water.

-Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.

-Insect repellent is advisable for early season runs; i.e. ticks and chiggers.

! AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO ALL THOSE WHO

COMPLETE THE ENTIRE 50 MILES!

The awards are given for running each section of the trail once. For those who ran sections of previous years Batona Trail Run Series who need to know what sections to complete for the completion award please contact me and I'll search the records for your completed sections and inform you as to what sections you need to run.

See you out in the woods!

Courtesy of Bill Scott and El Hammersley of "Bill and El's Magnificent Adventures!"

Detailed information regarding upcoming legs of the trail

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES - LEG #1

Brendan T. Byrne S. F. Ong's Hat to Pakim Pond

Date: Sunday, September 26, 2008 Start time: 7 AM

Start Location: Trail head at Ong's Hat

Distance: 8 Miles

Join us in the first leg in a series of trail runs towards the complete running of the 50 mile Batona Trail. This section of the trail is particularly scenic traversing rolling hills through oak and pine forests, foot bridges through cedar swamps and terminating at picturesque Pakim Pond.

Transportation options:

1. Meet at Ong's Hat at 7 AM at the trail head. (Directions below).

2. Meet at the Red Lion Diner at Routes 70 & 206 at 6:30 AM and carpool or follow the "Earth Destroyer" white Expedition to the start.

Directions:

From Rt. 70 and Cherry Hill:

Take Rt. 70 east to Rt. 206 at the Red Lion Circle. At the circle you will see the Red Lion Diner. Continue east on Rt. 70 to the next traffic circle you encounter which is the Four Mile Circle and follow the below directions from the Four Mile Circle.

From Rt 206 and 30 in Hammonton:

Take Rt. 206 north to the first traffic circle you encounter where Rt. 70 intersects. Take Rt. 70 east and follow the below directions from the Four Mile Circle.

From Rt. 50 and 30 in Egg Harbor City:

Take Rt. 50 north to Rt 563 north. At the sign for Green Bank make a right and cross the Green Bank Bridge and continue north on Rt. 563 thru Chatsworth and continue north on Rt. 563 until it dead ends at Rt. 72. Make a left and take Rt. 72 west to the Four Mile Circle where Rt. 72 and 70 meet and follow the below directions from the Four Mile Circle.

From the Four Mile Circle:

Go around the circle to the exit for Ft. Dix - Pemberton. Take the exit for Ft. Dix - Pemberton and travel 1 mile to the Ong's Hat Restaurant on your left. The trail head parking lot is across from the restaurant about 50 yards into the woods.

CALL OUR CELL NUMBERS IF YOU GET LOST!!

Remember the following:

-Wear proper attire for trail running. We run rain or shine!!

-Bring a cell phone.

-Water stops will be available but consider carrying water.

-Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.

-Insect repellent is advisable for the early season runs; i.e. ticks and chiggers. (Sounds like fun!!)

-Toilet facilities will be at Pakim Pond.

-Lookout for unfriendly Pineys.

All are invited to "chow down" after the run at Ong's Hat Restaurant.

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES - LEG #2

Brendan Byrne SF @ Pakim Pond to Wharton SF @ Carranza Memorial

Distance: 11.2 Miles

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008 Start time: 7 AM

Start Location: Trail head at Pakim Pond

Join us for the second in a series of 5 trail runs towards the completion of running the entire 50 mile Batona Trail. This section of the trail begins at Pakim Pond and crosses Rt. 72 entering the back trails and roads around "The Capitol of The Pines"; Chatsworth. Eventually the trail leaves the Chatsworth area and traverses to and over Apple Pie Hill. After a rest stop at Apple Pie Hill, and views of Philadelphia from the tower if its clear, we'll continue along a scenic winding path for 4.1 miles to the 11.2 mile finish at Carranza Memorial.

Transportation back to Pakim Pond will be available from Carranza Memorial.

Please note!! The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival http://www.cranfest.org/ is the same day. Those wishing to attend the festival after the run who don't mind being smelly at the festival and who want to get premium parking meet me at the center of town at 6:30 AM for the drive to Pakim Pond. I'll drop you off in Chatsworth afterwards.

Transportation options:

1. Meet at Pakim Pond at 7 AM at the trail head. (Directions below).

2. Meet me in town center Chatsworth 6:30 AM.

Directions:

From Rt. 70 and Cherry Hill:

From Rt 206 and 30 in Hammonton:

Take Rt. 206 north to the first traffic circle you encounter where Rt. 70 intersects. Take Rt. 70 east and follow the below directions from the Four Mile Circle.

From Rt. 50 and 30 in Egg Harbor City:

Take Rt. 50 north to Rt 563 north. At the sign for Green Bank make a right and cross the Green Bank Bridge and continue north on Rt. 563 thru Chatsworth and continue north on Rt. 563 until it dead ends at Rt. 72. Make a left and take Rt. 72 west 1 mile. Make a right on the small paved road there and follow it to Pakim Pond.

From the Four Mile Circle:

Go around the circle to Rt. 72 east and Long Beach Island. At one mile east on 72 make a left, just beyond the fire tower, and enter Brendan Byrne State Forest. Follow the road to the first intersection and make a right. Follow the paved road until you arrive at a stop sign. Make a left and follow the signs to Pakim Pond.

CALL MY CELL NUMBER IF YOU GET LOST!!

Remember the following:

-Wear proper attire for trail running. We run rain or shine!!

-Bring a cell phone if you have one.

-Water stops will be available but consider carrying water.

-Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.

-Insect repellent is advisable for the early season runs; i.e. ticks and chiggers. (Sounds like fun!!)

-Toilet facilities will be at Pakim Pond.

- Chatsworth Cranberry Festival.

All are invited to "chow down" after the run at Annapes Restaurant at Ongs Hat. So come on out for some fun and adventure.

I kindly request a head count as soon as possible so I can make logistical arrangements. Please call or e-mail me and let me know. Thank you.

Any questions?:

E-mail Bill Scott at scotclan5@aol.com or call 609-268-0857 / cell 609-314-5911.

My assistant will be Jim Pate. El Hammersly won't be with us on this trip.

So come on out for some fun and adventure. For those who complete the entire 50 miles a Batona Trail Run Series Award will be presented.

Any questions e-mail scotclan5@aol.com or curlyjaxa@yahoo.com.

Courtesy: Bill & El's Magnificent Adventures.

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES - LEG #3

Wharton SF @ Carranza Memorial to Wharton SF @ Batsto Village

Distance: 12.4 Miles

Date: Sunday, November 16th , 2008 Start time: 7 AM

Start Location: Trail head at Carranza Memorial

Don't feel guilty while your eating that Thanksgiving dinner this year. You can stuff yourselves to the maximum and brag about burning it all off running 12 miles on Sunday. Join us for the third in a series of 5 trail runs towards the completion of running the entire 50 mile Batona Trail. This is the longest of the five legs.

This section of the trail begins at the Carranza Memorial in Tabernacle and proceeds south to Batsto Village. This portion of the trail is much more remote than previous sections never crossing a paved or traveled roadway. I refer to this portion as "The Wilderness." Mostly flat this section travels on narrow pathways as well as sand roads. On this run we will cross the old Tuckerton Stage Road, pass by the Lower Forge campsites, parallel the Batsto River, cross Quaker Bridge and complete the run at Batsto Village. A rest break with water and Gatorade will be at Quaker Bridge Road at approximately the 6 mile mark.

Transportation back to Carranza Memorial will be at the Batsto Village.

Directions:

From Rt. 70 and Cherry Hill:

Take Rt. 70 east to Rt. 206 at the Red Lion Circle. At the circle you will see the Red Lion Diner. Make a right at the circle and proceed south on Rt. 206 to the second traffic light. The Tabernacle Inn will be on your left. Make a left. Note: Making a right here would take you to Shawnee HS. Continue on Rt. 532, Tabernacle Chatsworth Rd., to the first stop sign in downtown Tabernacle. This intersecting road will be Carranza Rd. Make a right. Follow directions from Carranza Rd.in Tabernacle below.

From Rt 206 and 30 in Hammonton:

Take Rt. 206 north to the first traffic light you encounter. This is Tuckerton Rd. Make a right on Tuckerton Rd. Follow Tuckerton Rd. to the second stop sign. Make a left. Follow this road to the first stop sign. This will be Carranza Rd. Make a right and follow directions from Carranza Rd. in Tabernacle below.

From Rt. 50 and 30 in Egg Harbor City:

Take Rt. 50 north to Rt 563 north. At the sign for Green Bank make a right and cross the Green Bank Bridge and continue north on Rt. 563 to Chatsworth. Just past Buzby's General Store and at the firehouse in Chatsworth make a left. This is Rt. 532, Chatsworth - Tabernacle Rd. Follow this, approximately 8 miles, until you come to the first stop sign. This will be Carranza Rd. Make a left on Carranza Rd. and follow directions from Carranza Rd. in Tabernacle below.

From Carranza Rd. in Tabernacle:

Follow Carranza Rd. for approximately four to five miles until you see a low wooden guard rail on the right. This is the Carranza parking lot. Look for others at this location. If the road turns to dirt you went too far. Go back 1/10 of a mile.

CALL MY CELL NUMBER IF YOU GET LOST!!

Remember the following:

-Wear proper attire for trail running. We run rain or shine!!

-Bring a cell phone if you have one.

-Water stops will be available but consider carrying water.

-Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.

-Toilet facilities will be at Batsto Village.

All are invited to "chow down" after the run. Location to be determined.

So come on out for some fun and adventure. For those who complete the entire 50 miles a Batona Trail Run Series Award will be presented.

I kindly request a head count as soon as possible so I can make logistical arrangements. Please call or e-mail me and let me know. Thank you.

I will be making a call for volunteers for transportation from Batsto Village back to Carranza. Volunteer drivers will meet me at Batsto Village at approximately 6:15 AM.

Be advised: If there is a cancellation due to extreme weather conditions I will post an e-mail prior to 5 AM on the day of the run. If you have no e-mail access call me if there is any doubt.

Any questions e-mail scotclan5@aol.com or call 609-268-0857 / cell 609-314-5911 or curlyjaxa@yahoo.com.

Courtesy: Bill & El's Magnificent Adventures.

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES - LEG #4

BATSTO VILLAGE, WHARTON S. F. to EVANS BRIDGE, WHARTON S. F.

Distance: 9.2 Miles

Date: Sunday, December 7th, 2008

Start Time: 7:30 AM

Start Location: Trail head at Batsto Village

Join us for the (4th) fourth in a series of 5 trail runs towards the completion of running the entire 50 mile Batona Trail.

This section of the trail begins at historic Batsto Village in Wharton S. F.and courses through the pine-oak forests and cedar swamps ending at Evans Bridge on Rt. 563 where the Wading River meets the highway, a popular launch and take out point for canoeists. An interesting portion of the trail where we travel through some sections of cedar swamps and the temperature takes a noticeable plunge.

Transportation options:

1. Meet at Shawnee High School at 6:45 AM for carpooling to Batsto Village.

2. Meet at Batsto Village at 7:15 AM.

Directions to Batsto Village:

From the Red Lion Circle at Rt. 70 and Rt. 206:

Take Rt. 206 south from the Red Lion Circle. The second traffic light you encounter as you proceed south on Rt. 206 is Rt. 532. This is the road which Shawnee High School is on. The third traffic light you encounter as you proceed south on Rt. 206 is Tuckerton Rd. Continue south on Rt. 206 passing the Pic-A-Lilli Inn on your left then Atsion Lake on you right. Continue south and look for the sign for Batsto Village which is at the next left you can make on Rt. 206. Bear left just beyond the Batsto Village sign and follow to the very first paved road going left. Make a left there then proceed to the first stop sign. Make another left and follow this road until it dead ends into Rt. 542. Make another left. Follow Rt. 542 continuing for approximately 5 miles until you come to Batsto Village on your left. You will see a wooden sign on Rt. 542 indicating Batsto Village. Make a left and follow to the first left which will take you into the parking lot.

From Rt 206 and 30 in Hammonton:

From Rt. 50 and 30 in Egg Harbor City:

Take Rt. 50 north to Rt 563 north in Egg Harbor City. At the sign for Green Bank make a right and cross the Green Bank Bridge. After crossing the bridge make an immediate left and follow to Rt. 542. Bel Haven Canoes will be across the highway. Make a left and follow for approximately 4 miles to Batsto Village. A sign for Batsto Village will be on your left. Make a right here and follow to the first left. Make a left and follow to the parking lot.

CALL OUR CELL NUMBERS IF YOU GET LOST!!

Remember the following:

Wear proper attire for trail running. We run rain or shine!!
Bring a cell phone.
Water stops will be available but consider carrying water.
Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.
Toilet facilities will be at Batsto Village after 8 AM.

All are invited to breakfast after the run.

We kindly request a head count as soon as possible so we can make logistical arrangements. Please call or e-mail us and let us know if you will be carpooling from Shawnee HS or driving directly to Batsto Village.

Thank you.

Should this run be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions, hazardous roads, forest fires, floods or for other reasons we will post an e-mail prior to 5 AM on the run date. If you have any doubts please call me or El Hammersly prior to the run.

So come on out for some fun and adventure. For those who complete the entire 50 miles a Batona Trail Run Series Award will be presented.

Any questions?:

E-mail Bill Scott at scotclan5@aol.com or call 609-268-0857 / cell 609-314-5911 or El Hammersly at curlyjaxa@yahoo.com or call 609-461-5115 / cell 609-941-9782.

BATONA TRAIL RUN SERIES # 4 - LEG #5

EVANS BRIDGE, WHARTON S. F. to BASS RIVER S. F.

Date: Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Start time: 7:30 AM

Start Location: Trail head at Evans Bridge

Distance: 8.7 Miles

Join us for the (5th) fifth and final in the series of 5 trail runs towards the completion of running the entire 50 mile Batona Trail.

This section of the trail begins at Evans Bridge on Rt. 563 at the Wading River in Wharton S. F. and ends at Bass River State Forest. It traverses through lowlands along the Wading River, pine forests and later rolling hills. It follows much of the old Tuckerton Stage and Martha Furnace Roads.

Transportation options:

1. Meet at Shawnee High School at 6:30 AM for carpooling to Evans Bridge.

2. Meet at Evans Bridge on Rt. 563 at 7:15 AM.

3. I will be asking for volunteers to meet earlier to aid with carpool transportation from Bass River S. F.

Directions to Evans Bridge:

From the Red Lion Circle at Rt. 70 and Rt. 206:

Take Rt. 206 south from the Red Lion Circle. The second traffic light you encounter as you proceed south on Rt. 206 is Rt. 532. This is the road which Shawnee High School is on. The third traffic light you encounter as you proceed south on Rt. 206 is Tuckerton Rd. Continue south on Rt. 206 passing the Pic-A-Lilli Inn on your left then Atsion Lake on you right. Continue south and look for the sign for Batsto Village which is at the next left you can make on Rt. 206. Bear left just beyond the Batsto Village sign and follow to the very first paved road going left. Make a left there then proceed to the first stop sign. Make another left and follow this road until it dead ends into Rt. 542. Make another left. Follow Rt. 542 continuing for approximately 5 miles until you come to Batsto Village on your left. You will see a wooden sign on Rt. 542 indicating Batsto Village. Continue past Batsto Village for approximately 4 miles until you come to the Green Bank Inn on your left. The intersection here is Rt. 563. Make a left on Rt. 563 heading for Chatswoth and continue for approximately 4 miles to Evans Bridge which is the only bridge you will cross. There is a parking area just on the other side of the bridge where we will meet.

From Rt 206 and 30 in Hammonton:

Take Rt. 30 east to the third traffic light . On your right is William B. Kessler Hospital. Make a left. This is Rt. 542. Follow Rt. 542 for approximately 7 miles until you come to Batsto Village on your left. You will see a wooden sign on Rt. 542 indicating Batsto Village. Continue past Batsto Village for approximately 4 miles until you come to the Green Bank Inn on your left. The intersection here is Rt. 563. Make a left on Rt. 563 heading for Chatswoth and continue for approximately 4 miles to Evans Bridge which is the only bridge you will cross. There is a parking area just on the other side of the bridge where we will meet.

From Rt. 50 and 30 in Egg Harbor City:

Take Rt. 50 north to Rt 563 north in Egg Harbor City. At the sign for Green Bank make a right and cross the Green Bank Bridge. After crossing the bridge continue straight to Rt. 542. Make a right on Rt. 542 and then an immediate left at the Green Bank Inn continuing on Rt. 563. Continue for approximately 4 miles to Evans Bridge which is the only bridge you will cross. There is a parking area just on the other side of the bridge where we will meet.

CELL PHONE SERVICE IS SPORADIC OR NON-EXISTANT IN SOME OF THESE AREAS BUT CALL AND LEAVE MESSAGES IF YOU GET LOST. WE WILL DO THE BEST WE CAN TO LOCATE YOU.

Remember the following:

Bring a cell phone.
Wear proper attire for trail running. We run rain or shine!!!
Water stops will be made available but consider carrying water.
Trail running can be unstable and inherently injurious.
Toilet facilities will not be immediately available on this run.

All are invited to breakfast after the run.

Come on out for some fun and adventure. Water crossings are a possibility. We kindly request a head count as soon as possible so we can make logistical arrangements.

If you are completing the entire trail run series this is the final test! Go for it!

We kindly request a head count as soon as possible so we can make logistical arrangements. Please call or e-mail El or me and let us know if you will be carpooling from Shawnee HS or driving directly to Evans Bridge.

Should this run be canceled due to extreme weather conditions, hazardous roads, forest fires or for other pertinent reasons I will post an e-mail on the Striders site prior to 5 AM on the run date. If you have any doubts please call me prior to the run.

So come on out for some fun and adventure. For those who complete the entire 50 miles a Batona Trail Run Series Award will be presented.

Any questions?:

E-mail me Bill Scott at scotclan5@aol.com or call 609-268-0857 / cell 609-314-5911 or El Hammersly at curlyjaxa@yahoo.com or call 609-461-5115 / cell 609-941-9782.