09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-06-30 / Friday

Log Entries For Day 18 Thru Day 20 - Magnolia Bluff County Park To Verona, WI

Hi Friends Of The IAT,

Day 18 – It was a very weird day.  As I made my way through the remainder of the Janesville segment, I experienced an unexplainable event in time.  This phenomenon occurred near the former site of the Burr Circus (speak to me personally if you would like to know more).  Cliff was slack-packing me and was to meet me at Magnolia Bluff County Park in the afternoon to return my pack to me.  I had a nice leisurely walk through the countryside in Rock County.   A man named Mike Guisleman from the county assisted me in allowing me to camp right at the top of the bluff.  It was a gorgeous site and a memory that I will hold on to for years to come.  Thanks a lot Mike!

Day 19 - I headed off in the morning toward Albany to hook up with the Sugar River State trail where I followed to Monticello and the Badger State Trail.   I was able to walk under and through the Stewart Tunnel, all 1,250 feet of it.   I could feel the cool air rushing out of the tunnel as I approached.   It got so pitch black in there I had to break out my headlamp.   My day was ended at the south end of the Brooklyn State Wildlife area where I met Theresa.  Thanks for the beef sticks Theresa!   She met Cliff and I to pass on my goodie bag.

Day 20 - I left Brooklyn early and pushed hard to make time to Verona where I was to meet John Cramer fellow MSC crew leader.  John met me and we hiked through a section not yet on the map and certified but nonetheless good trail.   We conversed as we hiked and he told me of the local happenings and news.   These hikes are terrific for me as I gain more knowledge of the trail.   I enjoyed walking with John.  Afterward I went to his place to shower and we went off to meet Theresa and Mary Tanos.  We ate some great Mexican food and talked for a while.  Thanks for dinner Mary, I had a great time yesterday talking with ya'll.

                       -John Bauer 6/29/06

Janesville, WI To Magnolia Bluff County Park

The Sugar River Trail

The Verona Segment To Middleton, WI