Back on the Trail

It has now been over a month since our last hike on the Ice Age Trail. Both May and June were busy months for the Jones family. We spent a fun week visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula with friends from college, celebrated Greg's mom's 90th and our daughter in law's 31st birthdays with extended family in Pennsylvania, sold our little cabin in western Wisconsin, and enjoyed numerous get togethers with our children, their spouses, and our granddaughter.

Our calendar has more white space now, and so, as of two days ago, we are back on the trail. Greg and I drove to Cross Plains early Monday morning to pick up where we left off back on June 1. Before I write about Monday's hike, I'd like to briefly touch on a few of the hikes we completed prior to our break.

The Springfield Hill Segment 

On May 19, Greg, Barb, and I hiked the Springfield Hill loop and then continued on to the connecting route from Ballweg Road to Highway 19. It was a beautiful sunny day for a hike. We saw pretty wildflowers as we headed up the trail which opened to gorgeous views to the west. 

After completing the Springfield Hill segment, we walked south on Ballweg Road and then headed east along Highway 12. What a contrast to the serenity of the trail we had just hiked! Cars and trucks raced by as we hugged the shoulder of the road. It was less than a half mile, but we were sure relieved when we left the highway for a quiet country road. The two and a half mile route took us past farms, flowers, and fields before ending at the old Matz Farmstead across from the Indian Lake Segment along highway 19.

The Indian Lake Segment

The three of us spent a lovely Sunday afternoon hiking through Indian Lake County Park. With sunshine, a light breeze, and temperatures in the 60s, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. 

We then hiked the 3.6 mile connecting route from Indian Lake to the Liebentau Prairie on a warm, cloudy, and muggy Wednesday afternoon. The first leg along highway 19 was the most challenging as we walked past commuters, most likely on their way home from work. Once we left the main road, we encountered more hills as we passed farms and fields.

The Liebentrau Prairie Segment

This was a short but fun hike off of Pine Road with amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

The Table Bluff Segment

Greg, Barb and I began the 1.2 mile connecting route from Pine Road to Table Bluff on Sunday, June 1. It was a short and easy walk along a quiet road. We didn't see a single car. Or any people.

The Table Bluff trail was very well marked. We passed through a large restored prairie filled with wildflowers before entering a wooded area.

We then entered the privately owned Swamplovers property. Deep in the woods, we felt as if we had been transported into some kind of rainforest (without the rain).  Leaving the woods, we climbed to the top of the bluff where we had wonderful views of the Blue Mounds in the distance. 

The trail from the bluff to the Scheele Road parking lot was a bit challenging with a series of switchbacks followed by some steep stone steps. A very fun hike!

That brings me to Monday, July 7. Greg and I returned to the parking lot at Scheele Road to take the connecting route to Hickory Hill Street where the Cross Plains segment begins. It was a warm and sunny summer morning, but at least there was a bit of a breeze. We passed mature wildflowers and walked through small neighborhoods before reaching the entrance to Hickory Hill Conservancy Park.

The Cross Plains Segment

The entrance to the Hickory Hill Conservancy Park began with a rather strenuous uphill climb that left me out of breath, making me realize I need to get back in shape. We entered a large meadow teeming with flowers, birds and bees. Eventually, we came to a wooded area where the trail became quite slippery and buggy due to recent rainfall.  As we continued, we crossed two footbridges and then came upon a fallen tree that covered much of the trail. We were able to crawl under it, but it wasn't easy. We passed through another part of the meadow before entering another wooded area. The last part of the trail was difficult. There were steep steps down a series of switchbacks, and the ground was very muddy. Once we reached the street, we had a short walk to the Ice Age Trail Headquarters, our final stop for the day. It sure felt great to be back on the trail!

"The best way to experience nature is on foot."

John Muir