09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-06-25 / Sunday

Log Entries For Day 12 Thru Day 17 - The beauty, it’s like being in another world

HI IAT Friends, 

Day 12-After Mike dropped me off at the Pike Lake trailhead I headed for a soon-to-be certified segment of the IAT near Holy Hill (thanks to some info from Mike who told where to meet up with the proposed segment).  As I met up with the existing trail I found myself at the bottom of Holy Hill…with nowhere to go but up, I forged upward and was rewarded for my efforts with a breathtaking view of Milwaukee and the surrounding area.  Also, a refill of water and a nice bathroom.  After Holy Hill I decided to camp on trail near the beginning of the Monches segment. 

Day 13-The day started out with a downpour.  After about two hours of rain I was pretty well soaked.  Brad Crary fellow Mobile Skills Crew member had called me to offer some assistance, but I was having phone problems and did not receive the message until days later.  Thanks Brad-it’s the thought that counts, brother.  The day ended up turning out to be nice and warm.  I hiked through a few gorgeous segments in Monches, Hartland and Delafield.  I camped at the backpacking campsite off the IAT at Lapham Peak. 

Day 14-I ended up stopping off at the 1^st shelter in the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  A spectacular view from the shelter made for a lovely evening.  I watched the sunset as I reflected on my journey thus far.  My friend Crystal Gilbertson came to supply me with some sandwiches and soda.  Thank you Crystal-you make a darn good sandwich. 

Day 15-Pushing hard I hiked 24 miles through the Kettle Moraine.  This forest makes for great hiking. I would recommend it to anyone training for a long hike or for anyone who wants to enjoy a few days of backpacking.  A hot day, nonetheless I plowed through stopping at Brady’s rocks, the stone elephant and the Henry Gotten log cabin.  At the bald bluff overlook I ate a late lunch and enjoyed a scenic view.  I camped near the RT. 12 Trailhead and looked forward to meeting Biscuit the next morning that had planned to join me for the weekend. 

Day 16-17 Bauer and Biscuit tandem…Biscuit met me early Saturday morning.  We set off through Whitewater Lake and on to clover valley the first day.  Randy “Cliff” Myron and his girlfriend Sara were generous enough to take us to a lovely steak dinner in Janesville.  The next day Biscuit and I were dropped off by Cliff at the trailhead.  We made awesome time hiking 16 miles in 7 hours.  We dealt with more rain and finished off in Janesville that afternoon.  Cliff picked us up again for Pizza.  Special thanks to Cliff, Sara, and Biscuit.  This weekend was memorable.  Thanks guys. 

…As a result of a flood of calls I have been receiving the past week I would like to thanks some personal friends and family around the country for their love and support.  Roll call-Thanks to: Mom, Dad and Lisa, my sister Lindsey, Dan Bauer, Robert Britton, Seth Thomsen, Shane Gaudet, Jacqueline Hamilton, Leona Trochez-Reyes, Crystal Gilbertson, Jill Anderson, and Sarah Mcain. Love you guys!  

               -John Bauer 6/25/06

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