Mullica River Van Tour

The van trip yesterday was a good one--naturally, with the exception of the van itself (cramped and uncomfortable as ever)--but had an unexpected ending.  We went to various interesting sites on the Mullica River, including several old cemeteries tucked away here and there in the pinelands.
The river was beautiful, deep blue and ruffled by the wind, meandering along Burlington and Atlantic Counties, and edged with the pine and cedar forests indigenous to Central Jersey. Having been born and brought up on Absecon Island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, I'm not very familiar with inland waters and I learned a lot.
Susan and I were happy to that German ("Gar-min") was our guide; we've had him many times before and find him so knowledgeable. He's familiar not only with southern Jersey's history, but also about its flora and fauna.  
The trip, which was scheduled for 9 to 3, was cut short when our driver, a young woman named Amanda, received information about a raging forest fire up north in Berkeley Township. She lives there and was worried about her family and home, so German asked if we twelve participants would mind skipping the last part and going back to Wells Mills Park immediately, so Amanda could leave.  Of course, we all agreed, and got back an hour early. I had intended to go directly to my hair appointment, but when I got to the Manahawkin exit, it was only 2:00, so I went home and drove back later.          
Talked to California brother, Frank,* who will be coming to visit his son, Patrick, in Baltimore, and invited him to come down while he's east.
*As opposed to Virginia brother, Jim and Florida brother, Larry.