Casual hike at Cattus Island

Plan is to start on the south side of the Red Trail, hike around to the Yellow Trail intersection, hike the Yellow Trail loop, get back on Red to the Environmental Center, take the Boardwalk back to the parking area. Note: last time I was on the Yellow Trail in the spring I saw multiple water snakes. A plus for me, but I know some you don’t like them. This portion of the hike will be about 4.1 miles and there will be one or two short breaks depending on heat and humidity. We will enjoy lunch at the picnic tables off the parking area after this part. Time permitting (I need to leave at 2:30) we will walk the Main Trail, walk the recently reopened Orange Trail, and back to the cars on the Main Trail. If we get to do all of this part it will be another 2.7 miles.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 4.1 or 6.8 miles
Expected Speed: slow end of moderate/fast end of slow
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 2 miles.
Bathrooms: Flushies in nature center, port-a-potties off parking lot

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

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

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 cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

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. 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.