Originally printed June 20, 2020.
On Wednesday, June 17th, I set off for a hike on the “middle” leg of the 13.4 mile Wood Lake segment. My hike would be 7 miles – the longest if the three hikes I would be doing. In addition, there would be a bike shuttle from where my car was parked on Bear Avenue to the trail head for today’s hike, the trail intersection with N. Loop Road. The morning bike ride went without a hitch. After locking my bike to a tree, I set off on my hike at about 9:40. The hike promised to be a hot one, with temps forecast for the middle to high 80s.
After a brief walk in the forest, the trail opened up due to clear cutting. Even some trees marked with the yellow blaze of the IAT were lying on the ground. Thankfully, the volunteers of the High Point Chapter of the IATA had done an excellent job of trail marking, so I was able to make my way without any difficulty.
Very soon I began to see the first of several informational signs about Wood Lake as I neared Wood Lake County Park, the centerpiece of today’s hike and, for that matter, of the entire Wood Lake trail segment. These signs were the result of a recent joint project involving the Taylor County Forestry Department, the Rib Lake Historical Society, the state Ice Age Trail Alliance and the local High Point IATA chapter. The signs were very informative – mini lessons in forestry, in animals common to the area and in the area’s geology. These signs were located at intervals along the 2.5 mile portion of the trail that the sponsoring organizations share. Wood Lake itself was a thing of beauty, a 65 acre, spring fed lake. The picture above was one of the first good views I had of the lake as I neared Wood Lake County Park.
As I paused to read each sign, I thought that the signage was an excellent way to extend the reach of the park and make it more family-friendly. Another thing done to broaden the park’s appeal was the construction of extensive boardwalks over the soupier areas. These walkways had the effect of extending the park’s reach beyond the boat launch, beach and campsites that clustered near the park’s center. Restrooms and fresh water from a pump were also available to park visitors. Here are some pictures of the park proper.
I must admit there was a part of me that wanted to take off my shoes and socks and dip my feet into the water! But I kept pushing. I felt as if I was going slower than yesterday(I was), and I wanted to get off the trail as soon as I could so I could jump in a shower and refresh more than my feet.
Past Wood Lake, the trail wound its way north, then west, and finally south. This is where the trail earned its hilliness rating of four out of a max of 5. The Guidebook speaks to various land forms along the way. In the moment, all I knew is that the trail was hilly! Plus, the trail was throwing everything it had at me. Hills, of course. Streams and muddy patches to cross by stepping on rocks or balancing on branches thrown across the slop as makeshift bridges. Patches of trail strewn with erratics (rocks) that could trip me if I didn’t make myself focus on the trail immediately in front of me. Tall grass hiding muddy patches that I didn’t see until I stepped in the ooze and started to sink.
The most beautiful thing I experienced in this section was while walking on a high ridge. To my left and below me was a beautiful stream. It looked like a wonderful place to fly fish. To my right and in the distance was a vast marshland. Biggest marsh I ever saw. Look one way to see one gorgeous vista; look the other way to see another totally different, yet equally beautiful scene. All I could do was smile and murmur a thank you to the One Who placed me at this beautiful place on this particularly beautiful day.
But it wasn’t always sublime. Sometimes, it was clumsy and humbling, like when I tripped on a branch in some tall grass, went sprawling in the air and landed with a thud on my right shoulder. That’s why my middle name isn’t Grace. Don’t worry.
I’m fine.Finally, I reached my car. After picking up my bike, I returned to Medford. I had noted an ice cream stand on the main drag, Moosie’s. I pulled in and ordered a double scoop of Oreos and Cream.
The shower could wait a bit.
I earned this.
My Days on the Ice Age Trail 