I had been planning some backpack trips now that I have my new pack, so I can train with a full load and see if I feel up to the California hike in August.
At the fireworks last week I conspired with Jim to come with me and do a little camping and boating. For once it all fell into place. He had the time I had the time, the weather was nothing short of perfect.
I loaded up the car with the tent and kayaks and gear. We texted like little kids on how cool this was going to be and how excited we were.
Thursday came and I hit the trail at New Fane with my full pack around 3:30 and started my 4 and a half mile hike to Mauthe Lake campground. It was the only place I could get a site that wasn't booked.
The drop off committe. Thanks Ladies!
Trail selfie
This section of the Ice Age Trail was really nice. Everything is full grown and over grown and green. What fields we had in the early spring were high with prairie grass and flowers. It was waist high and more.
This eventually gave way to a lot of forest too.
Finally, the park entrance is in site. I look over to the check in and Jim is getting his vehicle pass. Perfect timing! I go in and get our camp permit.
Its not quite 6 and we set up camp. Grab some firewood and cook some brats.
We eat and then just sit by the fire. A few adult beverages, all the wood and a lot of talk and its after 12. Pretty much a perfect night. That is until as we are laying in the tent, we hear rustling. Whats that, bottles clinking. Something is in our garbage by the picnic table. I shine a light and scare it away. 5 minutes it's back. Jim and I get out put the garbage in the car and make sure nothing else is out to attract them. Not sure if it was a racoon or a skunk. It did tear the bag pretty quickly but got nothing for it's efforts.
We sleep to about 6:30, again it is another perfect weather day. We didn't even bother with the rain fly on the tent.
We get up stretch and make coffee and some oatmeal. You know, to get ready for the real breakfast.
We may be camping but we ain't slumming it.
After a good breakfast we start to break camp. One thing, I forgot my glasses and on my hike in my contact case gets flooded with soap (in the same baggie) I rinse it off an thing no big deal. Until the next morning when I put contacts in my eyes. That have been marinating in contact solution/soap for 8 hours. The burn. I take me out and try again a while later, same, rinse and repeat. Finally they are bearable. Not comfortable but doable.
Time for some water fun.
Perfectly calm lake
We decide to go upstream pf the East Branch of the Milwaukee river.
Until we can't go any more
Grabbed some wild raspberries that were growing on the bank and we turned around. Saw herons and bald eagles.
We did some fishing but nothing was biting. So we just cruised around the lake some more and eventually came in for the afternoon. 3 hours on the lake was nice and relaxing.
Here is where I was supposed to say goodbye and hit the trail for another 5-10 miles of backpacking. However, my eyes hurt so bad and my sight was hazy, I decided it was best I get home and give my eyes a rest. Before that though, we had lunch at the Hamburger Haus in Dundee.
From there Jim and I said goodbye and we both headed home.
It was a great time and I think it's been too long for this to happen. We are already making plans for the next adventure getaway. I can't wait.
