09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-07-08 / Saturday

10:00 AM Status – It’s a scorcher on the trail today!

Hi Friends of the IAT; 

Well, John reports that it’s a hot one today, he’s been walking up to farm houses asking for water, having no problems asking and feeling very comfortable doing so, it’s second nature now for him.  In the beginning of the hike he seemed a little hesitant about doing so. 

Last night John camped near the Greenwood State Wildlife Area (Map 60e).  Just before John arrived at yesterday’s destination Jean Potter, the IAT North Central Field Coordinator tracked him down and had a very pleasant surprise for him – freshly baked Calazone.  John said it was like dying and going to heaven,  mmmm so very tasty!!!   Thanks much Jean, it definitely lifted John’s spirits, there was enthusiasm in his voice again, it was missing the last couple of days and I was concerned about his moral. 

John reported that last nights camping in Waushara County was some of the best yet.  I wonder if it had something to do with Jeans treat, what do you suppose.  The trails are well groomed and easy going. 

At the time of today’s call John was at the intersection of Akron Avenue and Heffron Road outside of Heffron, WI on the Waushara / Portage County line (between Map 61e and Map 63e).  He’s waiting for the local bar to open up to re-fill his water bottles.  Today is a short day, only 15 miles.  The day’s destination is the parking lot at the intersection of the IAT and Stratton Lake Road in the Emmons Creek State Fishery and Wildlife Area in Portage County (Map 63e).   John figures he will arrive at his destination at around 1:00 pm.  His car will be there waiting for him.  He’ll have a 5 minute drive to his home where he will spend the night. 

Tomorrow, Sunday, July 9^th John will finish hiking the entire trail in Waupaca County, Monday he will take off in his home town where he will re-supply, send me some web log entries and pics, and spend the night.  Tuesday he will be back on the trail at where the trail leaves Waupaca County in the Skunk Lakes area (Map 66e). 

Happy Trails! 

“Biscuit”