Due to the recent construction of an extensive boardwalk in Atlantic
County Park in Estell Manor, NJ, the Swamp Thing Letterbox has been
relocated and the directions revised:

WEBMASTERS, kindly replace the existing clues for Swamp Thing with
the ones below. Thanks!!

"SWAMP THING" LETTERBOX

Estell Manor Park (Atlantic County)
109 Rte. 50
Mays Landing, NJ
rating: Easy 2.5 miles, flat terrain
placed in new location 9/24/01


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 one small bend), you
will see a signboard and bench. What you seek is not far! As you sit
and face the sign, the Swamp Thing lives under the boardwalk on a
support beam to the right of the sign posts. 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: Enjoy the river, ruins, cemetery and more! Continue
along the boardwalk to the end. (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!



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