NYCkayaker Island Beach/Barnegat Lighthouse Trip

[Lee Reiser/Leona Fontaine]

The Island Beach NJ - Barnegat Lighthouse Trip

Dear Fellow Paddlers and Adventure Lovers,

   I would like to invite all strong paddlers to attend this trip, which I am posting for 
  Sunday, Oct. 1st. The area is Island Beach State Park, which is located south of Seaside 
Park, NJ. It's a natural wilderness area known for it's sedge islands and 
dunes with numerous bird species, pristine scenery, abandoned fish camps. 
and great fishing, so bring your tackle ! 
   There are numerous restaurants near the south side of the inlet for a 
midday break. As an added bonus, we can tour the historic Barnegat Lighthouse, (2nd oldest in U.S.) by 
climbing to the top to see the fantastic panoramic view. There are also nature trails to explore.
    My family used to own a summer home in Seaside 
Park and I have spent every summer from 1961 to 1992 here, so I have extensive 
knowledge about the park and surrounding area.
   Admission to the park is $8/car weekdays-$10/car-weekends. So carpool if you can. Make sure you ask for a free waterproof/tear proof map of the area when you arrive at the gate. There are 2 kayak 
launches on the bay side. We will be launching from the first, where there is ample 
parking for our vehicles.

                                             Directions to the Park
                        Drive time is 1-3/4 hrs. from the TZ and 1-1/2 hrs. from the GWB.
   Take the Garden State Parkway South (or North) to Exit 82 Rte.37 East and follow the 
brown signs, which read -Island Beach State Park. After approximately ten 
miles, Rte 37 will cross the bay. Keep to the right for Rte. 35 South (aka. Central 
Ave.) - Seaside Park/Island Beach St. Park (more brown signs). Look for a 
Bait and tackle shop/diner known as Betty and Nick's on the right side of Rte.35. 
It's located just past the municipal/police building, which is situated on a circle, 
in the middle of the road. Here, we will rendezvous to have coffee and breakfast,

   High tide is at 5:36 am, so we should arrive at Betty and Nick's no later than 7:00am. 
I might arrive a little earlier (pack your boat and gear Fri. night). We will first explore
Fishing Creek , Spizzle Creek and some of the other Sedge Islands then we will head south 
with the ebb to the lighthouse.  We will return 6 - 7 hours later with the flood.
Due to dangerous conditions, we will not be going through the inlet out into the 
ocean. Watch your local weather channel to check for adverse conditions of 
wind or lightning. 
   I have friends and family in the area who also will be keeping an eye on 
the weather for me. Call me at my home number on Fri. eve 
to make sure the trip is still on. After 5:00 am, Sat., call my cell phone. 
Home - (845)352-0162, Cell - (914) 374-7954. This is an individual, not a group event. 
            Strong cross-currents and heavy boat traffic
                  INTERMEDIATE TO STRONG PADDLERS ONLY PLEASE
Everyone going on this trip should know their limitations and have all proper and 
necessary gear.
   
                                                                              
            See you there,
                                                                              
               Lee Reiser