Hiking Dude Blog

We've been looking for a place to take a break for the past hour and came to Butler Lake about 11.5 miles in. A very nice, open spot with picnic tables and a wonderful, COLD water hand pump - and 4 backpackers enjoying the Kettle Moraine. We had a nice chat with Tony and friends away from the small swarm of bugs that's been following us.
Now, they're on their way north and we're continuing southbound.

I traveled about 28 miles today.
We made it to the hwy H trailhead to end the day. Bug suits were used the entire day and we got a few jealous looks from folks passing us on the trail.
At a water stop at a campground, we met Gary and his family and friends. I noticed his Philmont scout ranch t-shirt right away and we were welcomed to sit for awhile. Gary had just returned with his Hartford troop from a great trek in New Mexico.
After a cold coke, we continued the last 9 miles through the forest on a very nice trail with lots of small ups and downs.

Walking the beautiful Kewaskum and West Bend segments today. The new DCA site by Sunburst ski hill looks nice, if a little slanted. Meeting quite a few folks on the trail doing Sunday hikes.
The rain has started so it might be a short day.

I traveled about 12 miles today.
The West Bend segment is a very nice, well-groomed trail. This boardwalk over a marsh, a stroll along Silver Creek, and a selection of lunch spots at the Hwy 33 crossing are a few of the highlights.
Our hike got cut short today when the rain started. We'll have plenty of days to walk in rain, and were looking for an eas day anyway, so we took the afternoon off.
My new pack is working well and I tried out a new pair of very light shoes - we'll see how they feel tomorrow before swapping out my New Balance 606s.
It's been a nice break to visit with my family while also getting some miles done. In a couple days, we'll be back in the 'wild' with full packs.

Picking up where we left off in the rain yesterday, we did a 5.5 mile roadwalk to the Cedar Lakes segment - this time in bright sun rather than dreary rain.
When you hike this road, be VERY careful alonf Paradise - no shoulder and very winding. Also keep an eye out for Johnny T's pub that had the first 'welcome ice age hikers' that we've seen.
At the east end of the C.L. Segment, you might sight this mammoth like we did.
Now, we're at Jim's in Slinger for lunch and ice cream.

Din't get a chance to write last night - too busy eating a huge mac-n-cheese dinner and cupcakes.
We did complete the Holy Hill segment and reached Donegal Rd. Dad took us up to Holy Hill after hiking and Papa Bear and I climbed the 178 steps to the top of the tower - way cool.

We've knocked off about 12 miles, including a nice walk along the Oconomowoc River. We saw 6 deer but no cranes or turkeys for a change.
On our way into Hartland, we met these two wonderful young entrepreneurs selling homemade lemonade, cookies, and jewelry. Papa Bear treated me to a cookie and we told them about our hike. Then they gave me permission to share their picture without names.
We have about 10 more miles to the van. Today, we drove to our end point and got shuttled to our start point to save my folks a trip this evening.
Now, we're enjoying lunch outside the Marathon station at Dorn and Merton - peanut butter/honey on ritz with a cold Mt. Dew.

I traveled about 22 miles today.
Yet Another Great Day on the Ice Age Trail with great weather, few bugs, and fun people.
The two girls selling lemonade were creative; the librarians in Hartland were helpful; the 6 deer were oblivious; the 3 boys playing baseball were athletic; the Walgreen's clerk was accomodating; Millie the dog was adventurous.
We saw polo players at the Milwaukee club grounds and huge mansions in a golf course neighborhood near Delafield.
The trails throughout Hartland, Merton, and Delafield were very nice, especially along the Bark River.
Weather is supposed to remain pleasant all week so it looks like more great days ahead!

We're on top of the tower at Lapham Peak - don't know who decides when a hill becomes a peak, but it's an amazing view for 50 miles in all directions! You'll need to tilt your screen to see the tower :-)
We can see Holy Hill far in the distance to the north which was our starting point yesterday. Now, we had southwest through the Kettle Moraine.
Check out my current location on the map.

A nice morning through forest, along rail trail, and now lunch at Pine Woods campground.
Just more great weather and trail! This Scuppernong segment has been nice.

I walked 60477 steps on the trail today.
I traveled about 28 miles today.
The mosquito mesh suits came in handy ALL afternoon as we hiked through forest and savannah with no wind. It actually got a little irksome.
As long as I'm complaining... My right shin has been bothering me the last couple days and started to swell some today. Ibuprofen and a long night resting will hopefully help.
We reached a state forest facility and stopped to cook dinner at 6pm. Ranger Wilson helped us camp legally in the shelter here. Doesn't it look nice? After the deal was done, we noticed that Palmyra (and probably a free backyard) was only 3 miles farther. Oh well, we'll plan better next time.
We do have a nice sunset and found a mosquito coil to light in the shelter which really helped clear them out. Now it's 8pm and timebto climb in bed. On towards Milton and Janesville tomorrow.