Atlantic City, NJ to Metedeconk River, NJ

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Notes to boats:

There was ample water for our 4'4" draft to transit the inside stretch between Atlantic City and Metedeconk.  The tide runs later the further north you get.  We had decided to run the inside.  We went under the bridge a few minutes before low tide at the Absecon Channel, State Route 87 bridge, and had high water and a current pushing us for much of the morning, turning for about 7.5kts, we made 9.5kts for awhile.

The greenhead flies were horrific.  Make sure you have your screens closed, and I pity anyone who drives from a fly bridge.

We used the SE entrance to the Metedeconk River, with depths under 6' at MLW.  There is not much range of tide here.

The journey:  

Today we left our nice little anchorage, and met Rejoice, who had been in a marina in Atlantic City, right before the Brigantine bridge.  We followed the Rejoice until they turned off at Tom's River, and we continued on to Metedeconk River to anchor for the night in a great little cove @ 40 02.904'N 74 05.308'W

The screens were battened tight most of the way, and Ellen and I both refused to open the doors to take any photos.  Imagine if you will, tall salt marsh, and a bigillion greenhead flies climbing on top of each other trying to get in.  Mary on the Dessert 1st is the one who told me, "Be glad you aren't driving from a "fly" bridge!"

A 70'-ish sportfish met us, passing within two or three boat widths, never slowing down.  Running the inside, we weren't prepared for heavy seas, and tumbled a few things around.  I said on the radio, "May a thousand flies from the marsh invade your helm."

Someone else on the radio commented, "You couldn't think of anything more hateful?"

I couldn't believe all the guys out there fishing in small boats.  They must have really good bug spray!

Then we were out of the marsh, and into the New Jersey coastal communities.

We passed such famous places as Surf City (hey, Beach Boys!) where they have pretty well cleaned up everything after Sandy.  A lot of waterfront marinas and businesses went under with that storm.

When we turned into the Metedecock, there were lots of small sailboats and kids in apparent sailing schools on the lake/river. 

We had a great, quiet evening in the cove.