09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-07-04 / Tuesday

Hi Friends Of The IAT,

Day 21 - John Cramer dropped me off in the morning where I had left off near the Valley View Preserve.  I hiked through Cross Plains fast trying to meet up with Tim Malzhan and Mike Wollmer who were checking out the prospective trail at Table bluff (upcoming MSC event).  Mike and Tim guided me through the segment after we hiked up the bluff and chatted at the pinnacle.  I called it a day after that and had a rendezvous with everyone at Barbara Woodhouse's home.  Now she can make a Pie.  Wow! 

Day 22 - I spent the night at Tim’s place and proceeded to hike from Table Bluff to Indian Lake and into the Lodi Marsh where Tim and Luke Kloberdanz were to guide me through a cross country bit and to hike along for a while.  Before we were about to head out Sharon and Esther drove up and surprised us.  Then Tim and Luke and I bushwhacked.  We had a great time.  I always learn a lot from people of their caliber.  As I passed through to Columbia County there was an I.A.T. sign with Mileage.  425 miles past and 550 to go.  An inspiring sight.  Thanks to Tim and Carolyn for your hospitality and Luke for the borrowed gear. 

Day 23 - I headed out of Lodi to forge Lake Wisconsin via the Merrimac Ferry.  I crossed an awesome section of trail before I hit the ferry.  I had a nice day as Tim surprised me with lunch.  I hiked a bit more and relaxed.  Called an early day because I knew tomorrow was Devil’s Lake and I wanted to be fresh. 

Day 24 - Devil’s lake was amazing.  I enjoyed every moment of the day.  Hot and humid.  I took a lot of breaks and still covered about 20 miles.  I cooled off mid-day in Devil’s lake and went for a dip, enjoyed lunch and ice cream at the concession.  A memorable 4^th of July.  I felt an American spirit in me that day.  Thankful to be free and be able to enjoy this trail in this beautiful country we call home.  The terrific vistas on both bluffs and the Johnston Moraine made it clear to me why the Ice Age Trail is so important.  We need to conserve and appreciate the natural beauty of our lands.  The I.A.T. combines both conservation and appreciation with a trail that allows both to be accomplished.  Society is uplifted by this entity.   Thank you to every single person who has ever had a part in making this trail possible.   

-John Bauer, July 4^th 2006  

Cross Plains, WI and Indian Lake County Park 

Lodi Marsh Segment; Groves Pertzborn Segment; Merrimac, WI; Devils Lake; and Parfrey’s Glen