Pine Barrens Jeep Jamboree

Recently we had the opportunity to take advantage of a Jeep jamboree held in New Jersey. It is always interesting to visit different parts of the country and get the chance to wheel in new areas and see the diversity from one part of the country to another. When you think of rock crawling or wheeling, New Jersey is not the first place that comes to mind. The wheeling out there is much different since the total change in altitude is about 30 feet, but on the other hand there are mud holes with sandy bottom pits that can prove to be a very challenging obstacle for even the most experienced of wheelers. These are not the type of mud holes that you get past with excessive throttle and muscling your way through. To get through these kinds of holes it is much better to have a little momentum and a good line versus trying to spin your way through. Once you drop into a hole here and loose momentum you have to address the situation with a little more finesse, if you think you’re going to mash the “skinny pedal” to get you out of a jam you will have plenty of time to think about it as someone hooks a strap to you in order to pull you out. It only takes a second for that loose sand to spin a huge hole underneath your tires and you’re really stuck. Since this jamboree is held in the spring there is likelihood that there will be moisture and mud holes.

Batsto is located roughly half way between Philadelphia, Pa. and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The jamborees here are held at a state park known as the “Historic Batsto Village” in Batsto New Jersey. This is one of Jersey’s historic sites and anyone who appreciates history will get as much enjoyment out of visiting the village as they would from being out on the trails in the very scenic setting. Batsto Village was a bog iron and glass making industrial center from 1766-1867. Founded in 1766 by Charles Read (the most noted ironmaster in west Jersey before the revolution) Batsto is recognized as having the very first bog iron furnace to be established here. Batsto would become one of the most important suppliers to the Continental Army during the American Revolution supplying wartime products such as camp kettles, munitions, wagons, ships, iron fastenings and fittings for artillery caissons. Many of the old buildings that housed the businesses are still standing today like the old saw mill, the general store and the post office. It is truly amazing to walk around the village and know that in its heyday it was a thriving community in which the old buildings that are now historic sat occupied.

As if there isn’t enough to keep you occupied there it is just a short jump either direction (less than an hours drive) to be in Philly or walking down the famous “Board Walk” in Atlantic City. If you happen to be visiting that part of the country or have a Jeep and are just looking for a reason to visit then this may just be the destination and reason you have been looking for. 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/.

source: http://www.jeepbrokers.com/pine_barrens_jeep_jamboree.htm