"Were it not for the presence of the … infinite shapes of the delightful human tadpole, the horizon would not wear so wide a grin." - Frank Moore Colby, from 'Imaginary Obligations' 

            ~~It was a wide grin indeed plastered across my mug as I walked – no tools, no radio, no companions save falling leaves and autumnal silence – the 37-mile Timberland Wilderness section of the Ice Age National and State Scenic Trail in western Lincoln County late last Sunday afternoon.  I had the sense that within its setting the IAT was finely balanced and poised to withstand the coming tests of time and cultural.  “Sweeper Tour”, numero uno; in the books and ready for walkers pleasure. 

            Many thanks to you and everyone who lent a hand.  Whether you ‘pulled the bacon out of the fire’ in camp, crafted tread, safely and expertly lead a crew, peeled potatoes or peeled a 20-foot long bridge stringer, it’s all in the way little pieces fit together that the big picture comes into focus.  Do you feel like a quarter-million bucks?  You should, because in the National Park Service “Volunteer in the Parks” 2007 reporting period, Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation volunteers contributed 16,787 volunteer hours via the Mobile Skills Crew program.  The Federal Government values your contribution at $302,828.46.  The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation values your contribution as…priceless.  

            Two quick notes and we’ll make way for the next project team.  First, keep an eye on your inbox for the Waushara County Bohn Lake Project Announcement Project dates are Thursday October 11-October 14.  Second, we are officially returning to duke out the devil, at the staircase, City of Janesville Riverside Park, October 25 through 28.