09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

John Bauer and Bill Rhodes - 2006 Ice Age Trail Thru Hike Journal

2006-06-09 / Friday / Lift Off Time - 2:00 PM CST

Now is the time.  Being in beautiful Potowatami State Park for the first time Bill and I saw the Eastern Terminus trailhead to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. 

Everything stopped for one moment and for the first time in over 4 weeks I was able to think about the hike alone.  "It begins now.” I said to myself.  After weeks of working with Sponsors, endorsements, collecting pledges, fund raising, and logistical planning Now it is real.  We must focus and endure.  To lose my inhibitions and trek through this beautiful land with humility.  We will be tested…Onward…         -John Bauer 6/9/06

 Xtra special thanks to all of our sponsors Kristin Jankowski at EUREKA TENTS, Grant Sible at GOSSAMER GEAR, Debbie Laboube at ALPS MOUNTAINEERING,

Bob and Julie at CACHE LAKE CAMPING FOODS. Also, The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, Jean Potter, Christie Harris, Tim Malzhan, Sharon Dzingle, Nancy Frank, Luke Kloberdanz, and Dan "Biscuit" Seitz for all of your help out in the field and for the web log and making it possible.  Thanks Biscuit and all.

                             -John Bauer, Bill Rhodes