Like alpenglow, when we look back at the path taken and the trials and challenges faced along the way, inspiration, pride of accomplishment and humility sometimes well-up and leave no words to describe the journey.  So it can be with the Ice Age Trail.  We spend days and nights, months even years, visioning and sometimes hoping against hope itself for the times when shoulder to shoulder, hearts to minds, we’re on the ground shaping, forming, walking, and enabling others to enjoy the very act of “getting out”.  While maps hint at destinations the real journey takes place somewhere between the way our senses connect with sun and wind, with leaves rustling underfoot, and with the pull of what it is that might be around the next bend.

Last week 85 people returned to Janesville’s Riverside Park for a season-ending IAPTF Mobile Skills Crew ‘add-on’ project.  Added on because the scheduled July project inspired belief that this undertaking was in fact possible - indeed, necessary – and to complete finishing touches. The IAPTF Rock County chapter paid all support costs.  The City of Janesville donated man power, equipment and four more truck loads of rock.  Volunteers gathered from as far as Baronet and Antigo to as near as neighbors from down the street.  Absolutely remarkable rock and additional work was accomplished.  A gem of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and, a treasure of the Janesville Park System, is now in place.  I can think of no finer example of people working collaboratively toward a shared vision then that which is expressed at Devils Staircase. 

Below is a note from Randy Myren, Rock Co. chapter officer and MSC stalwart.  The next official MSC calendar date is the winter rendezvous February 9 and 10, at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station near Stevens Point. Everyone is invited and we hope to see you there.

Happy Trails!!

The Devils Staircase IAPTF MSC Project Team
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Unbelievable!!!  Is just one of many words that can be used to describe this past weekend and still not come close to the actual description of what occurred. We now have a trail through and atop the devil's staircase!! By my estimation over 50 ton of rock were moved down steep slopes, 100+ feet through the air, and up the Rock River via pontoon to be positioned where needed during this massive accomplishment.

Though it took every bit of effort from everyone involved to complete the trail there are some I would like to mention specifically. The City of Janesville's Tom Presny, Mike Williams, Brian Brieske, and everyone who helped from the city parks crew - this project could not have been done without you. Captain Bob Baker of the U.S.S. Ice Age Trail was the key to getting rock into position for retaining walls and more on the lower trail portions. Howard and Beth Austin provided us with a place to eat, sleep, and relax after the days work on the trail- the accommodations were great! The support crew as expected after round one in July once again flawlessly executed and provided for our comfort. Thanks to Dean and Jayne Paynter, Howard and Beth Austin, Mike Guisleman (great chili), Carolyn Brandeen, Clara Marr, and everyone involved. A special thanks to Tim "Uber" Malzhan. I doubt if any of us really knows completely how much time and effort this guy put into this project. Others who had special duties and/or skills that I would like to acknowledge Brad Crary -crew leader manager, Jo Wenzler-tool manager, Lyle Lidholm- masonry work, Todd McAllister & Mike Wollmer- rock work. A special thanks also to all the crew leaders who put all their training and knowledge to the test. There are some people I had the pleasure of working with directly on this project that I would like to mention; people who just show up at an event like this because they believe in what the Ice Age Trail is about So to Tim R., Stu, Luke, Denny, Scott, Leah, Derek, Kris, Janel, Bob, Jim, Rita, and the rest that I can't remember at this time you are the heart and soul of all that was done. THANK YOU!!

Randy "Cliff" Myren

Rock County Chapter - Trail Maintenance Coordinator