Hiking and Camping at Governor Dodge State Park, December 2015

On a crisp, cold December day we headed to Governor Dodge State Park in Iowa County on Wisconsin State Highway 23 to test our gear for cooler weather. We've typically avoided camping when daytime highs fall below freezing. With  a dusting of snow on the ground, and the day's high at 25°F (-4°C), we set up our 3 season tent, immediately noticing the stiffness of the fabric. Dressed with long underwear, a fleece mid-layer, and a parka, I kept warm for the most part with the exception of my feet and hands. My hands felt coldest after exposing them for cooking. 

Valley View Segment and Connecting Route to the Madison Segment of the Ice Age Trail

I hiked the Valley View Segment of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail and the connecting route to the Madison Segment on a brisk November morning. The Valley View Segment meanders through woods, prairie, and oak savanna, while the road walk on the connecting route is residential for the most part. Although I had planned to push forward onto the Madison Segment, I decided to back track to the car turned back by the penetrating effect of the cold wind.

Part 2 - Connecting Route from the IATA Headquarters in Cross Plains to the Valley View Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Greeted by snow frosted trees and fields, I returned to finish the connecting route between the Cross Plains and Valley View Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  This stretch of road offers views of fields, farms, and lovely homes on streets with stone gates announcing stately neighborhoods - Pheasant Point, Grand View, Noll Valley and the like. A week's time made quite a difference as last week's unseasonably warm and sunny start gives way to this week's icy finish.

Connecting Route from the IATA Headquarters in Cross Plains to the Valley View Segment of the Ice Age Trail

After a wonderful season of camping, backpacking, and canoe tripping, signs of winter approach and I find myself back on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Having walked my last road miles in May, and having enjoyed quieter wilderness over the summer, I had nearly forgotten the feel of a road walk.  Two time IAT section hiker Jared Wildenradt kindly stopped to offer me a shuttle. I caught myself telling him the cars were scaring the heck out of me. He laughed and said you won't eve notice once you've got a few thousand miles under your belt.

Halloween Camping Fun at High Cliff State Park

On a cold, wet October Friday night we arrived at High Cliff State Park in the Village of Sherwood, Wisconsin for a weekend Halloween celebration. We reviewed our plan for staying as dry as one can when setting up camp on a dark, rainy night, and due to the steady rain it looked like setup and to sleep early for us. But not so fast.

Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest Backpacking Trip

Our daughter's school day off for teachers in-service training provided a perfect October Friday to head out for a family backpacking trip. We headed to the Northern Highlands American Legion State Forest, stopping near in Boulder Junction for lunch at the Outdoorsman before heading into the woods. The Outdoorsman appeals to my daughter with its chickens, goats and rabbit out back. The restaurant features home baked pies and farm fresh eggs. They sell homemade goods and other artsy finds. A cute place to stop.

Hiking the Hartman Creek Segment of the IAT and Canoeing the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes while Camping at Hartman Creek State Park

Hartman Creek State Park is the perfect launch point for hiking the Hartman Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail and canoeing on the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes. The park is located west of Waupaca on Hartman Creek Road, south of State Highway 54 and north of State Highway 22. Arriving just after dark on a Friday evening, we set up camp looking forward to a weekend of outdoor fun.