Slow casual hike on the Swamp and Bike Trails at Estell Manor County Park

We will meet at the parking area on Artesion Well Road (well maintained dirt road) which is just a bit south of mile marker 16. We will walk the entire length of the Swamp Trail, which is the boardwalk Trail. At the end we will jump onto Purple Heart Trail, which is the paved bike path, and take it back around to the Swamp Trail which we will take back to our vehicles. Total distance approximately 5-5.5 miles. We will take a break at the Fox Visitor's Center (bathrooms) and somewhere along the return walk on the Swamp Trail. This hike all on wood and paved surfaces and mostly shaded.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 5 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 25-30 minute miles
Number of planned breaks: As needed based on weather. Will be stopping for a lunch break.

Bathrooms: port a potty at start/finish, flushies about 1/2 way

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, sun screen)

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.