Outdoor Club of South Jersey - Hiking/Camping/Backpacking

Manasquan
Let’s do 6 miles in about 2 hours at Manasquan Reservoir - at a moderate-to-brisk pace (2.9-3.1mph). This park has some of the prettiest water views in our area. Trails can range from single track dirt to wide gravel. Plenty shaded wooded areas, just a couple open sky areas. A great place to view wildlife. The park is mostly flat, with a few areas of moderate grades, just a bit of uneven terrain and tree roots. Hiking boots/shoes are suggested. Poles if you think you’ll need them. Things to bring: Water, bug spray, sun protection. We will meet in the main (middle) parking area at 311 Windeler Road, Howell - near the Visitor Center and restrooms. Please arrive at least a few minutes early, to sign-in, gear up, use restroom, meet others and be ready to hike before the start time. I’ll be next to my White Subaru Crosstrek, with black roof and kayak rack. If needed on morning of hike: my cell 732-433-8343.

Any questions ahead of time, email 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.