09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-06-17 / Saturday

Log Entries For Day 3 Thru Day 7 -  Island hopping...Trucking!

(Photographs Are At End Of Log Entry - Scroll Down)

Days 3-5  Island hopping…

 On the morning of day 4 Bill decided his hike was temporarily finished.  With a bad case of poison ivy and the responsibilities of home pulling him away from the trail, I left Bill behind and moved on toward the town of Tisch Mills.  Where I was to pick up a segment of trail on the Kewaunee/Manitowoc Co. line.  This was a day that began a spell of “trail magic”.  I received a call late afternoon as I reached my destination.  A woman named Cheryl Gorsuch from the Manitowoc co. I.A.T. chapter Picked me up and showed me a gorgeous spot to camp in Weber’s Woods near a tiny creek.  After taking me to pick up a sandwich she dropped me back where I left off and I headed for camp.  Thanks for the tip Cheryl!  

            The magic didn’t end the next day when my feet were in bad shape.  I headed for Point Beach State Forest.  Not a long trip from where I camped the night before.  As I was approaching the park a Cyclist named Doug Augustine began chatting with me as I struggled on.  He offered to let me camp at his site. He was full of good advice and conversation. Also, fed me some decent food.  Much thanks to Doug wherever you are!

            The next day I hightailed for Valders, WI.  I knew I had to make up ground.  It ended up being a rough day.  As a left Point Beach from then on through the rest of the morning was a beautiful, elegant walk along Lake Michigan through Two Rivers and onto Manitowoc.  At McDonald’s a man gave me five dollars for breakfast.  And another Cyclist gave me $20 for my cause as I pumped him with info about the Ice Age Trail and what I am doing. A real cool guy.  I got lost in Manitowoc looking for a library (note log delay).  Finally when I reached Valders I stayed at the fire station.  They accepted me, but were indifferent.  I appreciated them though.

 Days 6-7  Trucking! 

 From Valders I had one more road walk ahead until I reached the Kettle Moraine.  Bill was scheduled to meet at the trailhead on the North Side of the forest.  I moved all day.  Hard. Groaning with every step.  Sunburned and fatigued I made it to the trailhead.  A woman who was walking her dog saw me gasping for air as I took my pack off and rested.  I told her my story and then she offered to give me a ride to get some food.  I had her drop me off in Greenbush near the Old Wade House.  I wandered into a bar looking for directions and sustenance.  A nice woman purchased me a soda and some beef sticks as I ate Garlic bread.  Then another man gave me a ride back to the trailhead.  People are so nice sometimes that I feel so good to know there are decent souls out there in the world. As a person who is usually shut off from the public.  I am learning to change that and be more open.  This experience is changing me.  Thanks to all who helped along the way!

            Finally day 7 I was in the forest.  Bill was with me again and we headed south through the amazing Kettle Moraine State Forest.  Water spots were strategically placed it seemed as we hiked through 90 degree weather and burned up over 19 miles.  Now deep in the Forest we camped near one the 6 backpacking shelters in the forest.  A day of rest is due for I have walked for 8 days now.  Tired and in need of rejuvenation.  Biscuit came to re-supply me.  Always a moral booster Biscuit had food and drink. And plenty good news.  Thanks to Sharon Dzjingle and Brigit Brown for the amazing care packages.  You guys are too much.  It really helps me out. 

 Thanks again. 

          -John Bauer 6/17/06

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