Ice Age Trail

My recent weekend hike on the Ice Age Trail was pretty good. The group was a bit big but the group itself was good, so no real complaints. The segment was also one I've never done before and I liked it enough that I might file it away as a nice local weekend destination. Here are a couple photos:


We hooked up with the Ice Age Trail from the parking lot of the Kettle Moraine South Headquarters. While prepping our packs we met a couple Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. Not exactly wildlife but hey they're cute so give em a break.


As expected, this portion of the Ice Age Trail was very well maintained and well marked. Honestly, that can take some of the fun out of it but I guess it does make for a comfy hike. The quality of the trail does vary widely though since the Ice Age Trail actually consists of 1,000 miles of interconnected trails, paths, sidewalks, and even roads.



I suppose any trail that cuts across a whole state will eventually require you to walk on a couple roads.


Big dead snapping turtle which looked like it was recently shot/lanced. One of the more depressing things I've seen on a hike.


We only hiked about 15 miles and I'd say about 5 miles of it cut through prairie land. Neat.


The site we stopped at had a nice Adirondack style shelter (apparently missing some shutters). Adirondack shelters generally consist of three walls, a slanted roof, and maybe a floor. Some of the group used it but the weather was nice so I setup a tent outside.


Obligatory. The shelter was on top of a hill with a nearly unobstructed westward view so we had great seats for the sunset.

Kettle Moraine, 2 of 2

Some more from Kettle Moraine. After our morning dayhike, Ben, Christine, and Leah joined us. Did I mention I have to fix my tent? Right before we left for the trip, I discovered that the shock cords on my two-person tent had pretty much turned into some mysterious goo. I guess that's what happens when you don't use the thing for 4 years straight (I've been using bivouacs and my solo tents instead).


It was Leah's first time camping too.


The clouds and rain cleared up by noon and we all went on another hike. The conditions were pretty much perfect by then.


Leah enjoyed the hike, although she mainly just took turns getting rides from everyone.


Steaks for dinner.


And a whole bunch of other shit, including some beans, rice, ravioli, gimbap (Korean style futomaki)...


...and of course some more great brews.


Made a nice fire that night too. Lots of burnt marshmallows were had.

All in all, a nice little trip out of the city. As my brother implied in my last post's comments, the women's camp lavatory was pretty horrific. Despite this, Cathy had a great time - I think we'll be doing this more.

Kettle Moraine, 1 of 2

Went car camping at Kettle Moraine South this past weekend with Cathy, Julie, and Tim. It was Cathy and Julie's first time camping and I think it was a great success. Nature, tents, weird camp food, good times. Here are a couple photos:


We got there Friday evening after work. Cathy was crocheting in front of the fire within a couple hours. Figures.


Despite the light rain and overcast conditions on Saturday morning, we went out for a quick dayhike on the Nordic Trail.


The trails were wide, well maintained, and good for light hiking. Even with the rain, Cathy and Julie had no problem with it. Most of the trails in the area are also mountain bike friendly so if I ever come back, I'm bringing the bikes.


Among the things we saw on the trail was this really interesting red/orange fungus. Peniophora rufa.


Some sort of inchworm back at camp.


Some standard camp snacks. Apparently with cool spice! and wasabi!


The best part about car camping. Tim brought some tasty beers from a Wisconsin microbrewery which I enjoyed immensely. Also, the sun started to come out - bonus.

Set 2 of 2 later this week.