Day 25 - After meeting with
Biscuit and hiking to Parfrey’s Glen I set off on my own looking
toward home…Waupaca… where I was to finally get a days rest. I met a
local farm girl who took me to where she was working and unloaded a
bunch of fresh produce for me to snack on. Thanks Shawn. I made it
that day to the Pine Island Preserve just southwest of Portage, WI. It
was a memorable evening. I searched for and found another terrific
camping spot on a sand bar on the Wisconsin River. I enjoyed the
waterfowl and sunset. And later a fireworks show from my little island
on the river.Day 26 - I sped through the Portage Canal
segments which I enjoyed thoroughly and walked to John Muir County
Park. Anyone familiar with John Muir can relate to the feeling that I
felt as I walked around the very lake and land that inspired him to
conserve and to help establish our National Park System. I bathed in
Fountain Lake (now Ennis Lake) and later reflected on many topics
including Muir. As I set up camp I overheard some voices through the
trees. After a while I decided to walk toward the sound and found my
way to the property of Erik and Maria Bryuildson. I explained what I
was doing and how I had overheard them. They were interested and were
pleased to reveal to me that I was standing on the National Historic
Landmark of the Fountain Lake Farm. John Muir’s childhood homestead.
Erik and Maria’s house stood exactly on the old foundation. Erik has
owned the property for over 20 years and has done a fantastic job
keeping it as original as possible him being a professor and a
conservationist himself. They allowed me to camp in their yard
overlooking the very meadow Muir himself wrote about many times.
Another special evening for me. Thanks to Erik and Maria. It was
special for me personally to be there.
Day 26 - That morning I knew I was in for a big day. My goal
was to hike over 26 Miles to the Marquette/ Waushara Co Line. Outside
of Montello I ran into a Mary Jane Thalacker who had also known former
Thru-Hikers Cliff and Luke. It was a cool coincidence that she saw me
as I walked by. I pushed real hard that day to make it to the CO. Line
wayside. Now I knew I was close to home-Waushara County.
Day 27 - I enjoyed Waushara’s trails and made my way through
to the Deerfield section where Jean Potter I.A.P.T.F. field
Coordinator met me with some soda and a Calzone that I practically
inhaled. I slept hard that night. Exhausted from the last few days. I
knew I only had 2 more days until I could rest. That would be 14 days
of straight hiking.
Day28/29 - I made it to the Emmons Creek section near the
city of Waupaca, WI. Glad to be home I met Butch Seigel at the parking
area and we feasted on a couple burgers. The next day Butch hiked with
me all the way from Emmons Creek to the Skunk/Foster Lakes area. We
had a good time and considering I was in a bit of a rush-we broke a
speed record that day. I was to finally get a hours rest tomorrow and
head back out on Tues Morning.
Day 31 - I left Waupaca and made way for Iola,WI where the
segment begins near the ski hill. I hiked about 16 miles mostly road.
A decent day after the break. Debbie Krogwold invited me to eat dinner
with her and her husband. A lovely pork roast with all the fixings.
Thanks to the Krogwolds. I am looking forward to hitting the rest of
the trail and the rest of the way. It will be a new ball game. More
remote and more trail to hit. I am exited.
-John Bauer 7/10/06
Pine Island State Wildlife Area, the Wisconsin River
Pine Island State Wildlife Area, the Wisconsin River, the Portage
Canal Segment, the Marquette Segment, John Muir County Park
Chaffee Creek Segment, Mecan River Segment, Hartman Creek Segment
