Swamp Thing *TO BE REPLACED DECEMBER 2007* LbNA #2168 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Vic and Val
 |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Apr 15, 2005 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Mays Landing |
| County: | Atlantic |
| State: | New Jersey |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | Trax |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Jan 2, 2006 |
| Status: | FFFFaa |
| Last edited: | Apr 15, 2005 |
V + V's Letterboxes (1)
** TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE **
*** BOX TO BE REPLACED DECEMBER, 2007 ***
Swamp Thing
Estell Manor Park (Atlantic County)
109 Rte. 50
Mays Landing, NJ
rating: Easy 2.5 miles, flat terrain
**Compass recommended**
Lovely Estell Manor Park in Mays Landing, NJ is about 30 minutes west of Atlantic City, part of the Atlantic County Park system. There are numerous points of interest within its boundaries, including the foundation ruins of an old World War I munitions factory, an old
glassworks site, a playground, canoe/kayak launch, nature center, and observation deck. So wander the woods and enjoy the trails as you seek the box (and try not to think about what you lost at the casino!)
Note: A park trail map is recommended, but not necessary. Available at the nature center.
Park at the Nature Center. As you face the building, take the asphalt path to your left.
At the end of the asphalt, continue straight ahead. Resist the urge to take the boardwalk trail that splits off to the left. Follow the dirt path instead and soon you will fork left 115 degrees east onto the LAUREL TRAIL.
Follow the Laurel Trail, passing post #'s 9, 10, 7, and 11 as you weave through beautiful mountain laurel, longleaf pine, and huge American Holly (some of the biggest we've seen!) When it intersects at a "T" with the CENTER TRAIL, turn left here 60 degrees.
This isn't quite Atlantic City's Boardwalk, but it will guide you safely through this maple swamp. Beware of trolls under the bridge! As you cross the road, stay straight on the trail. Note that the name changes to MISTLETOE. Though other paths may tempt you, stay your course on this one and soon you'll be on the "SWAMP TRAIL BOARDWALK". Wander along the boards for awhile as they weave through this beautiful maple swamp with cedars, pitch pine, and sweetgum.
After a lengthy straightaway on the boards, (and a few small bends), you will see a signboard and bench where the boardwalk splits. What you seek is not far! As you stand with your back to the signboard, take a bearing of 66 degrees ENE. You will also see on the boards "NO HORSES NO BIKES". The Swamp Thing lives under the boardwalk on a support beam at the 66 compass bearing. If the coast is clear, hop off the boards and bring the Swamp Thing out of hiding.
Congratulations! Sit comfy and stamp in!
Getting back:
RETURN OPTION #1: Keep going! Enjoy the river, ruins, cemetery and more! Continue along the boardwalk, stopping at the observation decks to enjoy the water views. (NOTE: The "endpoint" of the boardwalk will change as it is built further out toward Artesian Well Road). Pass marker #234 and come to a "T". Go left (due west)and explore the old Powerhouse ruins, artesian well and Smith-Ireland cemetery. You'll come upon a large clearing and campfire area. (Have they built the boardwalk back this far yet?) Take the dirt road to the left (ARTESIAN WELL RD.) leading away from the boat ramp. Shortly, another trail (OAK RIDGE TRAIL) will come in on your left. Turn here heading south. Continue along Oak Ridge and cross the Eagle footbridge. Soon after, there will be a cutout in the boardwalk on your right. Turn right here onto FROG POND ROAD. (You'll soon see signs confirming you are on the right track).
When Frog Pond intersects with another large sand road (NORTH END ROAD) turn left here and follow this road directly back to your car and the nature center.
RETURN OPTION 2: (SHORTER) Retrace your steps back, but where the dirt trail meets the boards, STAY on the boards and they will take you back to the beginning at the asphalt path.
Hope you enjoyed this scenic park!
** TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE **
*** BOX TO BE REPLACED DECEMBER, 2007 ***
Swamp Thing
Estell Manor Park (Atlantic County)
109 Rte. 50
Mays Landing, NJ
rating: Easy 2.5 miles, flat terrain
**Compass recommended**
Lovely Estell Manor Park in Mays Landing, NJ is about 30 minutes west of Atlantic City, part of the Atlantic County Park system. There are numerous points of interest within its boundaries, including the foundation ruins of an old World War I munitions factory, an old
glassworks site, a playground, canoe/kayak launch, nature center, and observation deck. So wander the woods and enjoy the trails as you seek the box (and try not to think about what you lost at the casino!)
Note: A park trail map is recommended, but not necessary. Available at the nature center.
Park at the Nature Center. As you face the building, take the asphalt path to your left.
At the end of the asphalt, continue straight ahead. Resist the urge to take the boardwalk trail that splits off to the left. Follow the dirt path instead and soon you will fork left 115 degrees east onto the LAUREL TRAIL.
Follow the Laurel Trail, passing post #'s 9, 10, 7, and 11 as you weave through beautiful mountain laurel, longleaf pine, and huge American Holly (some of the biggest we've seen!) When it intersects at a "T" with the CENTER TRAIL, turn left here 60 degrees.
This isn't quite Atlantic City's Boardwalk, but it will guide you safely through this maple swamp. Beware of trolls under the bridge! As you cross the road, stay straight on the trail. Note that the name changes to MISTLETOE. Though other paths may tempt you, stay your course on this one and soon you'll be on the "SWAMP TRAIL BOARDWALK". Wander along the boards for awhile as they weave through this beautiful maple swamp with cedars, pitch pine, and sweetgum.
After a lengthy straightaway on the boards, (and a few small bends), you will see a signboard and bench where the boardwalk splits. What you seek is not far! As you stand with your back to the signboard, take a bearing of 66 degrees ENE. You will also see on the boards "NO HORSES NO BIKES". The Swamp Thing lives under the boardwalk on a support beam at the 66 compass bearing. If the coast is clear, hop off the boards and bring the Swamp Thing out of hiding.
Congratulations! Sit comfy and stamp in!
Getting back:
RETURN OPTION #1: Keep going! Enjoy the river, ruins, cemetery and more! Continue along the boardwalk, stopping at the observation decks to enjoy the water views. (NOTE: The "endpoint" of the boardwalk will change as it is built further out toward Artesian Well Road). Pass marker #234 and come to a "T". Go left (due west)and explore the old Powerhouse ruins, artesian well and Smith-Ireland cemetery. You'll come upon a large clearing and campfire area. (Have they built the boardwalk back this far yet?) Take the dirt road to the left (ARTESIAN WELL RD.) leading away from the boat ramp. Shortly, another trail (OAK RIDGE TRAIL) will come in on your left. Turn here heading south. Continue along Oak Ridge and cross the Eagle footbridge. Soon after, there will be a cutout in the boardwalk on your right. Turn right here onto FROG POND ROAD. (You'll soon see signs confirming you are on the right track).
When Frog Pond intersects with another large sand road (NORTH END ROAD) turn left here and follow this road directly back to your car and the nature center.
RETURN OPTION 2: (SHORTER) Retrace your steps back, but where the dirt trail meets the boards, STAY on the boards and they will take you back to the beginning at the asphalt path.
Hope you enjoyed this scenic park!