Originally printed October 31, 2018.
Break out the fog horns!
Last Sunday’s hike started with the temperature at 43 degrees and with heavy overcast, a misty rain and thick fog. It was easily the darkest “daylight” sky for any of my hikes. It was so dark that I dug into my pack for a piece of equipment I had never used on any of my previous hikes – a small, battery powered light connected to an elastic band that fit over my hat – an updated version of a miner’s helmet lamp. For such a small light, it was incredibly powerful. Jane, who was shuttling me once again, could see it over a quarter mile away. I was glad I had it. I assume that I am invisible when hiking, and I do everything I can to be visible and safe. In case you are interested, my “head lamp” was manufactured by Black Diamond.
Now I need to find a tail light to put on my pack.
Today’s hike was the second half of a 14 mile plus connecting route between the Deerfield and Emmons Creek Segments. Most of the hike would take me north about five miles. Then I’d hang a right and walk east 2.6 miles to the pickup point. After saying goodby to Jane, I got started at about 8:30.
Many people might think that a gray day at 43 degrees is crummy weather. For me, 43 degrees is prime weather to be outside. It allows me to build up some body heat while remaining relatively dry. I was so comfortable that I unzipped the vents on my raincoat to let in some fresh air.
Yesterday’s hike was relatively flat. Today’s hike opened with a steady uphill climb for roughly a mile, a good workout for me. I could definitely “feel the burn” as I climbed! After that, the terrain tended to flatten, with occasional ribbons of slight uphill and downhill sections providing variety. As on the previous day’s hike, the roadway was usually framed by trees. Sometimes they were majestic evergreens, sometimes leaf-bearing trees. Every so often, there would be a break in the trees which revealed rolling farmer’s fields. The breaks made a natural picture frame through which I would see the fields. While the autumn colors were certainly past prime, there was plenty of color to enjoy. Of course, the most beautiful scene of Sunday’s hike was not break in the trees revealing a farmer’s field. It was a wide expanse of gold with woods in the distance. The gold in the field was a brilliant contrast with the darker color of the trees and the gray, foggy skies. A picture of the field is at the top of this page. My friends debated over what was in the field. Many said soy. One person thought it was barley. I’ll be back in the Waupaca area this coming weekend. If I get real ambitious, perhaps I can knock on that farmer’s door and ask.
As I continue hiking north, I have become more aware of the possibility of encountering bears. Other hikers have posted pictures of bear tracks and of scratchings on logs on the 1000 Mile Wannabee Facebook group. For that reason, I tend to make a lot of noise while I’m hiking. The last thing I want is to find myself suddenly in a position between a mama bear and her cubs. I’m beginning to realize, though, that the noise I’m making is likely to spook other animals, too, so I am not seeing as many as many of them as in past hikes. That being said, I did see some critters on this hike – two separate deer sightings from a distance, a group of four turkeys and a lot of mourning doves.
I haven’t mentioned this before, but I pass many homes when I hike connecting routes. Some of them are on relatively small lots, while others are multi-acre spreads. Some places are very neat and well kept, while others have lots of rusted machinery on the lawns. It makes me wonder about the tough lives many are leading, and just how are they scraping to get by.
Like the previous day’s hikes, I made terrific time, finishing a good 15 minutes faster than I expected. Jane was at the end point to meet me, and we drove to Waupaca for lunch. Jane had spotted a sign for a place called Little Fat Gretchen’s, and she stopped outside of town to take a picture of this bit of local kitsch. Then she looked it up on TripAdviser to learn that it was #2 ranked restaurant in the area. We quickly made our way to Main Street, Waupaca, entered the very crowded restaurant, and sat at the counter to enjoy some lunch. Their high ranking was well earned. Just terrific food and fine service.
I have a return trip scheduled this week. Guess where I’m going for lunch!
My Days on the Ice Age Trail 