Split Rock Reservoir, NJ
by Melody Wenger

Sun, August 3, 2025

This past Sunday, 12 members enjoyed a glorious weather day paddling on Split Rock Reservoir. Meeting at 10 a.m. in a surprisingly new, large parking lot, panic struck when the trip leader realized she forgot her paddle. Always prepared, Phil B. had a spare so I could join the group on the adventure that I was running. As the group started to bring their boats to one of the two floating launch sites, Phil along with Al G. came to the rescue. Since the water was a good distance from the parking lot, our heroes helped many by lending their portage wheels. In total we had 2 canoes, 2 canoes/open kayaks(?) and 8 kayaks.

Once on the water, we paddled against a slight wind for about 2 miles to a large island. Here we settled in and enjoyed lunch around a large, but not lit, fire pit. Dave M. seemed to have gotten ants in his pants, so he attempted to entertain us with various jokes. Many chuckled... a few groaned.

After lunch, half the group returned to the put in with Dave who was a great back up trip leader (I could not have done this trip without him - thank you). The other half continued to the end of this 3-mile-wide reservoir sometimes coasting through blooming water lilies and other water plants. Wildlife included a blue heron, cormorants and a few frogs. No snakes this time.

By 3 p.m., we were back in the parking lot, lifting with all our strength and strapping our boats back onto the cars. Some of us noticed a loud buzzing made by many air pumps running in the background. It seems more and more people are turning to inflatables and with my boat weighing in over 60 lbs. maybe this is something I'll have to consider in the future.

Overall, it was another successful trip, and I would like to give a shout out to an outstanding crew: Sumonnat K, Al G, Vicki G, Anne B, Harris R, Robin L, Phil B, Heidi V, Dave M, Bruce D, and Terri P. Thank you for a great day!

Melody