Troll hike #4 (Burlington Riverfront walking path)

I'm parking on the street near the Doane School near Wood and Talbot Streets. I've never been here before so I really do not know the parking situation. I'm basing the location on my internet research.

This hike will be a long the Burlington City Riverfront Promenade and along the city Streets to look for trolls #14 Visser and #16 Riley. My understanding is that the promenade is 1 mile each way. It has nice views of the Burlington Bristol Bridge.

Burlington County has 19 art work trolls created and placed throughout the county. This summer I am challenging myself to seek out all 19. A few of these trolls are located in hiking locations. My plan is to start my day’s troll hunt at these locations where I can lead a 3 or so mile hike and then proceed to visit a few other trolls on my own. For more information go to www.co.burlington.nj.us/2076/Troll-Trek. Each day after the planned hike, I will drive to a few other troll locations that are find parking, park, look/find, move on to next one. Another site with more information is gardenstateglobetrotter.com/new-jersey/unique-places/burlington-county-trolls.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 3 miles
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 2 miles.
Bathrooms: I have no idea

Be sure to bring plenty of water. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather. (neck fans, cooling cloths, wide brimmed hats, sunscreen)

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.

Any questions ahead of time, email [theteppers@comcast.net](http://mailto:theteppers@comcast.net/). Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk may cancel. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

• My locations are chosen where there are wide trails, cinder or paved for less chance of tick encounters.

• On Tuesdays, I’ll be spending it on trails further from me. On Thursdays, I’m heading towards the shore. Since the hikes are shorter, I’m not planning on eating lunch during the hike ( just a snack), visiting local eating establishments afterwards on Thursdays would be sweet.

• It is summertime. One of the more prominent side effects/symptoms of my MS is heat intolerance. In the summer, I will be slow and taking frequent breaks.

• Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.

• Why do I often title my hikes as casual? Because my pace varies on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. Unless I title my hike as slow, my pace falls within the moderate level, whether I’m using my rollator, hiking sticks or pushing a stroller. My distances are generally short to mid range. I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike.

• As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I have been blessed to have had somewhat mild symptoms. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms, if any. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator.

• If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.

• If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.