Wheeling with the guys in Jersey this year was as good as last if not better and with all of the recent rains and the draining of the Cranberry bogs the trails were completely overrun with water. The biggest majority of the obstacles in the Pine Barrens Jeep jamboree each year are the water holes, this year some of the holes were 3 to 4 feet deep with a big part of the roads that make up the trail system also being covered with a good 1 to 2 feet. As you can imagine there were plenty of water filled tubs during the event. There aren’t many rocks to negotiate, hills to climb or off camber situations to contend with but rest assured that if you ever have thoughts of attending the Pine Barrens Jeep Jamboree, you will have plenty of challenges ahead of you to keep you entertained for the weekend. 

For the past 16 years Jeepers have gathered in New Jersey for a weekend of wheeling in the Pine Barrens with Jeep Jamboree USA. Wheelers are able to enjoy winding trails, thick forests and scenic settings such as the Cranberry bogs for photo opportunities and lunch stops out on the trail and the historic Batsto Village. Those who are on the lookout may see the Barred Owl who remains active during the day and inhabits the area as well as Geckos…..yes, Geckos in Jersey; go figure. On one of the trails we did manage to see a large hawk that had just nabbed a snake and was taking his prey of to be lunch as we stopped to have our own. 

Encompassing one million acres the Pines Barrens consists of Cedar swamps, meadows, forests and makes up about 20% of the states land area. For you followers of Urban Legends it is the place that the Jersey Devil calls home. Legend has it that the Jersey Devil was born in a cabin in the 1700’s to a crazed woman who had wished for it, it makes for quite an interesting tale, popular enough that there recently was an episode dedicated to the Jersey Devil on history Channels “Monster Quest”. 

One of the most important things that makes this Jeep jamboree a long lived success is the local coordinators and trail guides. These guys not only work well as a team, they have a great time with the participants. It is obvious that they enjoy spending time together out on the trail but in the evenings they can be seen gathered around chatting about stories from jamborees from years gone by like old friends do. This year marked a special occasion for one of their team; Lee Rogers marked his 100^th Jeep Jamboree so a cake was brought out and a short, heartfelt speech was given to acknowledge Lees accomplishment…… Great job Lee, we hope to see you at many more of these events in the years to come!

As always any information on this or any of Jeep Jamboree USA’s events across the country can be found on their website at http://www.jeepjamboreeusa.com/.