09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2007-07-02 / Sunday

10:00 AM Status – Deciding whether to stop before or after Devils Lake

Hi Friends of the IAT,

I Called John at 8:45 am because I would be in Church at 10:00 am so I would be unavailable.   When I called, John was just past the intersection of Strangeway and County H just north of Lodi, WI (Map 40e) and heading to the ferry crossing to get across the Wisconsin River at Merrimac, WI (Map 41e).  Tim Malzhan and family hosted John for the night and treated him royally.  John reported that Tim lives just off of the IAT by maybe 100 yards.  Yesterday, Tim took John hiking cross country, bushwhacking is a better term.  John was pretty excited about the day.  John sounded fatigued today, his foot has been hurting him on and off the last couple of days, he said that it's not getting any worse and that he can handle it.  He was debating on whether to stop just before or just after Devils Lake for the day.  I encouraged him to stop before to give his foot some rest and also to be rested for the Devils Lake Segment with it's steep bluffs.  John has decided to slow his pace down a bit so he can take in, soak up the beauty of the countryside he is passing thru, that was good news.

John needs a new can stove.   I need to get a hold of Sharon Dzjingle, unfortunately I miss placed her phone number, to get a replacement stove.  If anybody could get a hold of Sharon and have her call or e-mail me that would be greatly appreciated.   My phone number is (414) 339-0695.  I'm headed to Portage, WI (Map 45e) early Tuesday morning to meet John and I'd like to take a replacement stove with me.   Your help is appreciated.

Happy Trails,

"Biscuit"