Casual Troll Hike #3 (Rancocas Nature Center)

We are meeting at the Nature Center which is located at 794 Rancocas Road (aka route 626), Westhampton.

Not sure if I've been to this entrance, if so, it has been a few years. Anticipate mostly wooded trails. There is a recommended donation of $2.00 per hiker. The Nature center opens at noon on Tuesdays.

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.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 3-4 miles (depends on if I find the troll quickly!)
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 2 miles.
Bathrooms: There are some at the Nature center, but it doesn't open till noon, so not sure.

-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)
- 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.