Casual Low and Slow at Bass River Moutain Laurel hunt (Yellow and Nature)

I’m scheduling my wildflower hikes based on typical blooming times and previous years experience. However, we had a very dry fall and this winter has been below average temperatures and average precipitation, so I have no idea how this might affect when the wildflowers will bloom this spring. This is hunt #4 and it will be for mountain Laurel and sheeps Laurel.

The Yellow Trail aka Poppy Allen Trail at Bass River is a wide, 3+ mile trail through upland forest with leaf and pine needle coverage. A portion is also on a smooth gravel/sand road. The Nature Trail is a short 1 mile Trail that goes through a beautiful mountain laurel grove and over a boardwalk/bridge through a white cedar swamp. It is likely I will walk Joe’s Trail afterward for an additional 2 miles.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 4 miles plus opportunity for another +/- 2 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not always mean slow): 28 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: 2 plus photo stops
Bathrooms: one at the ranger station on you way in

Be sure to bring water, even in the cold. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Hunting season starts in October, so it is a good idea to wear blaze orange.

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, wind chills below 25, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified. Hikes will also be canceled or modified due to icy conditions.

The nitty gritty:

• 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.