2006-07-31

09/24/06

IAT Thru Hike

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

2006-07-31 / Monday

Log Entries For Day 46 Thru Day 53 - Wood Lake, Taylor County To Brunet Island State Park

(Photographs Are At End Of Log Entry - Scroll Down)

Hi Friends of the IAT,

Day 46-49 - After Biscuit and Mark dropped me off near Rib Lake to await my re-supply from Crystal I set up camp at the Lake View Village Park campground. As I was about to hit the shower a traveler by the name of Dean stopped in his truck and began asking what I was up to. Obvious that I was without a car and had a backpack nearby he offered to do some kayaking in Rib Lake and to hang with me for the night. Dean was cool. We compared gear with each-other and he even hooked me up with some extra food he had left over from the weekend. Later in the evening I met up with another camper at Rib Lake. His name was Al and he is the proud owner of the big purple bus you can see near Rib Lake in summertime. We had a great conversation that night and the next morning I was fortunate enough to be invited onto the big purple bus for breakfast made by Al’s wife. It was great. Around noon I met Crystal got myself a new camera and I stayed at Camp 28 for the night. When I got back on trail the next day I wanted to make it past the Hwy 13 wayside to the Pine Lake Segment where there is a tiny camp. I succeeded after a nice day of hiking. The next day I headed for the Mondeaux Flowage and beyond. I hit the lodge around noon made a phone call and was to meet up with Buzz and Mark Berglund for Pizza at the lodge later that evening. I arranged for them to pick me up past the flowage on Hwy E. As I hiked the gorgeous segment near Mondeaux I saw a few camping spots that I am sure I will be back to visit. That night I was lucky to be able to stay in Tom Rasmussen’s camper near the Hwy E trailhead.

Day 50-53 The next day I was heading into a 30+ mile stretch of trail through the Chequamegon National Forest. On my own now for a while I made Jerry Lake and called it a day at the backpacking campsite. It was hot and I ran out of water. I wanted to purify in Jerry Lake but it was mucky. I boiled some water and hoped to hit a few places where I could get water in the morning on my way. The next day my plan was to make to Gilman or Lublin. I would decide later, my main concern was water. I purified out of the Yellow River, not to pleased and made it through the forest, it was comparable to other lovely areas and traveled through a newly reopened section where there was previous tornado damage. It was rough, but I made it to Hwy 64 out of water though. Thirsty and hot I rested at Hwy 64 for about 3 minutes thinking about how I was going to hydrate myself when I saw a car pulling in to the parking area. I quickly ran over toward the car (I was going to ask whomever for help to get water) but to my luck it was Mark Berglund with cold water and Gatorade in tow. A nice surprise and nearly a lifesaver. I was in dire straits with my water situation. Thanks Mark! I made it to Gilman that day and camped in the town park there I washed my clothes and dried them as I shopped in the IGA in Gilman (small town) Expecting a lot of rain I left early in the night to head for Cornell. As I made my way I got hit with severe storms. After leaving Gilman I saw an officer driving and flagged him down. I actually had him give me a ride back to Gilman where I hid out in the Laundromat and dried out. As I was waiting I ate a quick breakfast at Sue's Cafe and a man offered me a ride back to where I left off in Cornell. The rain still hit me hard and I was actually concerned with lightning. I made it to Cornell early in the day and dried out at yet another Laundromat. At the Laundromat I met a nice woman named Pat who talked with me as I awaited Nancy Frank and Joann Parks to meet me. Nancy and Joann came and we all hung out with their guests Cade and Hannah. I was to wait for my friend Crystal to meet me. I camped at awesome Brunet Island state Park and Crystal and I ate a campfire dinner. Thanks to Nancy and Joann and Lowell Merlin for his $100 to the cause. It makes a huge difference. The next day I was to rest. with heat forecasts to be over 100 degrees. Having a great time. I enjoy being out there even the hardships make it an amazing experience about 8 days to go. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

-John Bauer 7/31/06

Rustic Road, Timm's Hill, Rib Leg Segment, Rusch Preserve, Camp 6, Old Tote Road, Pine Line Segment