By Colleen North & Sue Martka

Round Valley Recreation Area is located in Hunterdon County’s Highlands, and for a group of NJ OWLers would be our weekend oasis for recreation and relaxation. Round Valley Reservoir covers 4,003 acres and is over 180 feet deep. There are 19 species of fish inhabiting the reservoir, including largemouth and smallmouth bass. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually and lake trout are abundant.

NJ OWL anglers Nayda and Mirna would find the fishing good, and along with NJ OWL angling instructor, Keith Griglak, took enough to share their fish dinner!

Prior to our weekend backpacking trip I’d met with the ladies to go over basic outdoor skills, including how to load a backpack (heavy on top, light on the bottom), how to light and cook on a camp stove, and how to pitch a tent. A Backpacking Checklist included everything you’d need, plus some things you’d enjoy having while camping out. As usual, the real backpacking experience would teach each of us what to pack and what to leave behind—next time.

Mirna with some of the catch

Ten OWLers (which included Keith, who is a lifelong area resident and New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife employee) set off for a 4-mile trek on the Lower Cushetunk Trail headed for lucky Campsite 7 on a beautiful Saturday morning in July. The lush vegetation obscured much of the wildlife from view, but we identified the calls of scarlet tanagers, Eastern phoebes and red-eyed vireos for sure. Seen and heard was the crank of a great blue heron flying overhead. A red-backed salamander wanted to join us for dinner, but we sent it on its way. Our trek to camp with full backpacks had made us greedy for all we’d carried in, but with true OWL camaraderie we shared our fare, and delighted in Mirna’s percolated coffee.

On a walk before dinner, Sharon sighted a flying squirrel. The "pee a wee" call of the Eastern wood pewee resounded overhead, and several white-tailed deer were sighted. OWLers who were down by the water on Saturday evening saw a double-crested cormorant as well as several hot air balloons. As night approached we set about hanging all of our foodstuff and garbage in a bear bag, while Naomi and Colleen had fun creating comic strip skits about our adventure.

Next morning, over breakfast and Evelyn's blueberry pancakes (mixed in a Ziploc bag), we repacked our gear, and broke camp for the 4-mile trek out. Somehow it felt like a longer hike out than in, and again we got to test our fitness and assess the weight of our packs.

As the parking lot and the end of our backpacking weekend loomed, Bonnie sighted a lovely white puff ball growing up from the weeds. A park guide was just heading out on the trail we were exiting and told us it was Ceanothus americanus, New Jersey Tea. Colonial inhabitants had brewed it in hard times. So, what did I learn on my summer vacation? New Jersey has so much to offer for great outdoor adventure, and I hope to see you there next year!!

Keith cooking the catch

Fishing Round Valley at sunset