Slow and Casual on the Barnegat Branch Trail

We will start meet at the south end of the Barnegat Branch Rail Trail (BBT) and walk approximately 2.3 north to the bathrooms near the intersection of Country Lane. Total distance approximately 4.6 miles. We will walk over Lochiel Creek. For those unfamiliar, the BBT is a very wide, cinder and paved trail, popular with bikers, joggers, and dog walkers. It is generally shaded.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 4-5 miles
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 1.5 miles.
Bathrooms: none at start, Flushies at turn around point.

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.

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in. I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.

If we're in the woods, hunting season is October 1st-March 31st. Highly recommend wearing bright orange somewhere during this time.

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:

• One of the more prominent side effects/symptoms of my MS is heat intolerance. And for me, depending on humidity levels, it can start around 80 degrees. I will be slow and taking frequent breaks.

• I have developed ataxia on my left leg associated with my MS. This is causing some knee/ankle pain since my gait is being alter and they are trying to compensate.

• 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. I 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. If I title my hike as slow and I’m going faster than ‘advertised’. Please let me know and I’ll slow down.

• Depending on how I feel/ conditions of trail, I’ll use a rollator, hiking sticks or be pushing a stroller.

• 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 am blessed to still be able to walk and get out in nature.. 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. (The rollator provides balance and a convenient seat if I need to give my leg a break.)

• 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.