Casual Hike on the Great Egg Harbor Parkway Bridge

First this is NOT the bridge going into Ocean City. This bridge walkway goes from Somers Point to Beesley Point and is alongside the Garden State Parkway. The actual bridge is 1.5 miles each way; no shade, no comfort breaks and you do hear any traffic that is there. Due to shared walkway with bikes, need to walk no more then 2 abreast. We will also walk off of the bridge on the Somers Point side to see where the old bridge abutments were and on the Beesley Point side to see some lovely Bay homes. Total distance is between 4-4.5 miles on mostly concrete, bit of asphalt, and a bit of packed gravel.

After the hike, I'm hoping to have lunch on the deck of the Tuckahoe Inn. There is a small bathing beach here, so those who wish might to bring swimwear for after the hike.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 4 miles
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 2 miles.
Bathrooms: permanent pit toilets

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, sunscreen)

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.