Low and Slow Picnic Hike

THIS HIKE IS THE PRE-PICNIC HIKE FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE PAKIM POND ANNUAL PICNIC. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS HIKE ONLY IF YOU ARE ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR THE PICNIC.

Members only, no guests! This is the low and slow hike for the those of us that want an excuse to indulge in fellowship outside up but not up for a challenge. Current plan is to hike around the back side of Pakim Pond on the Batona Trail and continue on the Batona Trail to the Glassworks Road or Skeets Road, taking one of these to Coopers Road (which does allow vehicles) which then take this back to Pakim Pond. Distance about 4 miles. Pace between 25-30 minute miles. We will be walking on trails, dirt roads, and some pavement.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 4 miles
Expected Speed: Slow 25-30 minutes per mile.
Number of planned breaks: Since there is food waiting for us at the end, only one short break around 2.5 miles to rest my left leg.
Bathrooms: Flushies at start/finish.

Be sure to bring plenty of water.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. We need to leave on-time today! I'll start the safety talk at 9:20. please find me by then.

Be sure to apply 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.
The nitty gritty:

• Dogs:Not welcome on this hike.
• 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 labeled as slow, not just casua