Footpaths through the prairies, wetlands and forests of Wisconsin beat road-walking most times in my book. I typically like to avoid fast moving cars and narrow shoulders - with one exception. Deer hunting season becomes road-walking season for me, and for many an Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) hiker. When walking connecting routes along the IAT during deer gun season, it is not unusual to hear gunshots, see deer dashing across country roads, and to feel great relief to be on road rather than on trail. In fact, many segments of the IAT are closed during deer gun season. It is in this spirit I road-walked between the Walla Hi and Manitowoc Segments of the IAT.
With snow underfoot and clouds in the sky, I headed past the wooden Walla Hi County Park Sign and began the short 1.9 mile Walla Hi Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). The Walla Hi County Park, east of Kiel, Wisconsin in Manitowoc County, is a small, pleasantly hilly park with hiking and equestrian trails. I zig-zagged south along the trail for about a half mile heading lower, until I reached a charming covered bridge.
On a cloudy November morning, cold and a nearly colorless gray, I settled for a road walk to avoid the deer hunters on trail. Walking briskly to keep warm, I walked the the rural 5.3 mile (8.5km) connecting route between the LaBudde Creek and Walla Hi Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Other than the brief crossing of busy Wisconsin Highway 32 / 57, the route meandered through towns not large enough to be easily recognized as towns.
