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SOUTH COUNTY: See Sourlands by foot, bike, car

Historical Society plans May celebration

   Discover legend, lore and landmarks in the Sourland Mountains in the Van Harlingen Historical Society’s “May in Montgomery: A Sourland Celebration” on Sunday, May 4.
   The annual fundraiser will be an à la carte menu of activities, including cycling, easy hiking and touring, each starting at different times. A program book of exploration maps, photos, stories, legends and history will guide you through the day and will be available for $20 each.
   From 11 a.m. to noon, a walk in the woods (suitable for families) will explore Montgomery’s newest park, Rock Mill Preserve, at 360 Grandview Road, at the top of the hill in Skillman. There is no charge. Visitors will meander along well-marked forested paths, stopping at displays about the area’s history, people, geology and wildlife.
   A bike ride, bus trip and self-drive tour all start from the Princeton Elks Lodge, 354 Route 518, Blawenburg. The day begins with the bike ride registration between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for a self-guided, five- to 23-mile trek over scenic roads and past historic sites. Cyclists may buy the map alone for $15 at registration. The tour may be taken at any time.
   The historical society and the Sourland Conservancy are sponsoring a rain-or-shine, 3-hour bus ride, at noon from the Elks lodge. The tour will wind through the Sourlands to aviator’s Charles Lindbergh’s estate, “Highfields,” with a tour of the home from which Charles Jr. was kidnapped in 1931.
   Andrea Bonette, who has led this popular tour for many years, will recount stories of heroes, patriots, artists and ghosts. Tickets are $20 per person for Conservancy and VHHS members, and $25 for non-members. They must be purchased on-line by Friday, April 11, at co.clickandpledge.com.
   Contact Marcia Maguire at 609-466-0701 for information. Children 12 and older are permitted at full cost.
   Others may simply buy the book with its detailed map and drive the scenic roads themselves, starting at the Elks from noon to 4 p.m. Stop at a charming mountain church, burial grounds, historic homes, the 18th-century Gulick House and best views in the mountains.
   From 3–4 p.m. friends may gather for refreshments inside the Elks Lodge.