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Mist and fog adds to the scenery on the hike

Photo at left: Hikers make their way along a foggy trail along the Ice Age Trail in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Click for more photos from the Ice Age Trail.

It was misting when we arrived for our Tuesday walk last week with a forecast of light rain. We had our raingear on, but the rain stopped for the duration of our hike.

Our adventure took us on a five mile hike which included the trails between Highway 12 and Highway P. We walked out on the snowmobile trail and returned on the Ice Age Trail.

The sun set during our walk and we finished before the end of twilight. The temperature was above freezing so that the surface was softened over a base of hard packed snow. There were a few bare spots and small puddles. We had our studded footwear on but I a.m. not sure that it was needed. I did appreciate my hiking poles as they helped on the steep up and down stretches of trail.

The next day again started out with rain in the early morning, but by the time twenty of us hikers met the rain was far to the northeast. What did remain with us for the walk was fog which actually gave a neat appearance to the great scenery along the paths.

The group divided up with Meg leading the short walk around Lake LaGrange on the Ice Age Trail and the snowmobile trail, a total of three and seven tenths miles. This trail loop starts and ends at our meeting point.

The rest of us carpooled to the Bald Bluff parking lot on Highway H south of Palmyra for a six mile walk. From the parking area we walked east on the Ice Age Trail over the bluff, past the Stone Elephant, and to the intersection with the snowmobile trail near Tamarack Rd. We returned via the snowmobile trail which passes along a ridge from which would have had a great view of Blue Spring Lake were it not for the fog. We took a right at the split in the trail to the road crossing and returned to the parking lot via road thus avoiding the hike back over the bluff.

Much of the trail was snow and ice covered, but where it was bare the ground was actually thawed out. Although wet in these areas it was not greasy or slippery. Most, but not all, of our group wore footwear similar to Yak Trax which helped on the icy spots, but I did not have much trouble without them. I did have a pair in my coat pocket just in case they were needed.

There is a south facing slope east of the Stone Elephant which is a nice little prairie remnant that had been recently burned. Burning actually keeps the brush down and helps the deep rooted prairie plants.

There were several small branches that we removed from the trail as we walked.

After the walk we regrouped at the LaGrange Country Store for lunch and a look at some great photos of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest from which Marv Hermann had recently retuned.

On returning to our meeting place a sandhill crane flew by while emitting its characteristic call, a sure sign that spring is nearly here.

Happy trekking, Russ

Activities

Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m., Member Appreciation Meeting and Potluck, Walworth/Jefferson Co Chapter, Ice Age Trail Alliance: Meet at US Bank, Elkhorn and bring a dish to share. See new Ice Age Trail video. Contact Liz DeBraal (262) 723-2625.

Sunday, March 21, Trail Work: Meet at the Highway 12 trail crossing for trail maintenance and clearing. Contact Jerome Converse (262) 473-7304.

Saturday, March 27, Tour/Hike: Meet at Wadewitz Nature Center on CTY Highway W north of Burlington. Lunch at the Patzke's after, 124 N Highland in Burlington. Contact Ron Larson (262) 534-3604.

Weekly Walks

We meet at 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the Highway 12 Ice Age National Scenic Trail crossing located about four miles east of Whitewater.

We include two or more walks of different distances on Wednesdays, and also do this on Tuesdays when desired.

All ages are welcome.

Note that a state park pass is required to park a car at the Highway 12 meeting place.

A daily or yearly pass may be purchased at the meeting place provided correct change is available.