Hiking Dude Blog
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08/14/2013
Lapham Peak
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.
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Posted: 08/14/2013
Posted: 08/14/2013
08/13/2013
YAGD
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!
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Posted: 08/13/2013
Posted: 08/13/2013
Young Entrepreneurs
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.
Holy Hill
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.
08/12/2013
Mammoth Sighting
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.
08/11/2013
Rain 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.
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Posted: 08/11/2013
Posted: 08/11/2013
West Bend Segment
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.
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Posted: 08/11/2013
Posted: 08/11/2013
08/10/2013
Day 8 - Kettle Moraine
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.
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Posted: 08/10/2013
Posted: 08/10/2013
Backpackers
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.
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Posted: 08/10/2013
Posted: 08/10/2013
Kettle Moraine
In the Kettle Moraine this morning. Slackpacking along making good time - 7.5 miles so far. Plenty of woods and bugs!Leave Comment
Posted: 08/10/2013
Posted: 08/10/2013
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All Comments:
Feb 13, 2020 - Jason Berklund
Hey hiking dude I have several questions planning my first north to south trip
from 270 all the way down. I kind a know what to wear what to eat all that
important jive. I am in relatively good shape definitely Not concerned about
where in tear. 45 years old going with a 21-year-old nephew. My question is
I have friends in Duluth that I don’t want to burden with driving me what’s the
best way to get up to otter Lake Road that’s not gonna cost a crap ton. We
were thinking 15 miles a day. We were also thinking hammocks. Let me
know what you think please. I have read so much and look at so much and
heard so many opinions but You seem to be very realistic on your
comments. Thank you
Feb 13, 2020 - Hiking Dude
@Jason - Hammocks work fine - most campsites have lots of trees.
15MPD is realistic, and you'll probably do more than that many
days.
Getting to the northern terminus is expensive (in my mind). If you can schedule correctly, Arrowhead Transit is cheapest to Grand Marais, but then Harriet Quarles is the only shuttle I know of. You might find a good ol' boy in Grand Marais willing to drive you the 35 miles to the end for a few $$$.
It's a 3 hour drive from Duluth - that's 6 hours and 300 miles round-trip. Maybe your friend would like to drive up the north shore for a day.
Getting to the northern terminus is expensive (in my mind). If you can schedule correctly, Arrowhead Transit is cheapest to Grand Marais, but then Harriet Quarles is the only shuttle I know of. You might find a good ol' boy in Grand Marais willing to drive you the 35 miles to the end for a few $$$.
It's a 3 hour drive from Duluth - that's 6 hours and 300 miles round-trip. Maybe your friend would like to drive up the north shore for a day.
Feb 04, 2024 - John
Me and my fiance are going to Costa Rica for our honeymoon and we
are so excited!
May 02, 2024 - Zeke Mead
Has anyone cycled this Camiño? Sounds like the trail is a road
and if trucks are able to do it, maybe bikes too?
May 03, 2024 - Hiking Dude
@Zeke - Someone could certainly bike part of the Camino de Costa
Rica, but other parts are simple trail that would not be passable
by bike.
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