Casual Low and Slow at Cedar Bonnet and Barnegat Lighthouse

This is two different locations both with only a few miles of trails each. We will start at the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. We will go to the Maritime Forest Trail, around the lighthouse, and down the paved path on the jetty along the Inlet. Total distance about 1.2 miles. There might be some opportunity to do some beach walking.

We will then drive about 22 minutes to Cedar Bonnent Island and hike the trail there. There are about 1.5 miles of trails here. In the past, lots of fall wildflowers. This location only has about 7 parking spots. Which is why I’m limiting this hike. If you are driving with someone, feel free to come. Just note in the comments.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 1.2,1.5 Total under 3 miles
Expected Speed: SLOW 25-30 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every 1.5 miles.
Bathrooms: Flushies about 1/4 miles down the path from the parking lot at the Barnegat SP. Not sure about Cedar Bonnet Island.

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 and use the bathroom. 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 on yourself 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 altered 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.