Ice Age Trail Dispatch
October 2009
In this edition:
Trail Improvement Day - Saturday, Oct. 17
67 Hike Parade of Colors
New Detour at Hwy E is Short and Scenic
Sierra Hike Nov. 7
Outdoor Expo - Sunday, Nov. 22
Trail Improvement Day, Saturday Oct. 17
It will be hard to top our September Trail Improvement Day. Lots of helpers, gorgeous weather, the satisfaction of a job well done. But we try. This Saturday you can share some of the enjoyment of lopping brush and cutting branches as we continue our march eastward near Harwood Lake and Mud Brook.
Meet at 9:30 AM at the Chippewa Moraine Visitor Center. Bring your lunch and water, wear hiking or work shoes, and serious work gloves. Stay till mid afternoon or leave earlier if you need to. BUT, PLEASE CONFIRM if you plan to attend by email to chapter@iatchippewa.org.
Parade of Colors Hike Well Attended Despite Drizzle
No one can remember a Parade of Colors hike when it rained, so this year was a first. But it didn't stop 67 hikers from enjoying the hike during the mostly dry periods that emerged from the mostly early morning showers. The weather moved our welcome station indoors, providing more focus than usual on the displays in the Visitor Center. Thanks to the dozen volunteers who helped in one way or another to introduce many to the trails in the Chippewa Moraine area.
Trail Detour Shortened At Hwy E
A section of trail has been closed since mid summer just east of Hwy E, necessitating quite a long detour on roads. Recently, with the assistance of Renee Fontaine-Ebel, Donna Martin, and Jerry Munyon, we were able to put together an ad hoc connector trail that restored a mile of trail back into use. The connector trail is quite nice for hiking in itself. Unfortunately, there is still a road walk necessary, but it isn't as long as before. Maps are posted at all the important junctions, and temporary trail signage has been installed. The trail eastbound now starts on 245th Ave, 0.92 miles east of Hwy E. More info here, and a map here.
Sierra-Sponsored Hike a Late Fall Tradition, Saturday, Nov. 7
The Sierra Club has been a big fan of the Ice Age Trail since it was established in the Chippewa Valley. For almost forever they have organized a great hike on the trail on the first Saturday in November, which once seemed a bit weird, but has most often proved to be a great weekend for hiking. This year the outing starts in Cornell for breakfast, followed by a hike from Hwy E to Hwy CC. If you are interested in joining the hike, contact Steve White for more information by email at stonecottage99@gmail.com. His phone is 715 720-8890.
Outdoor Expo Returns on Sunday, Nov. 22
Most every spring and fall, IATA members from western Wisconsin travel to Minneapolis to staff a display at the Midwest Outdoor Adventure Expo. Our chapter handles the crowds on Sunday, and this fall is no exception. It's a great way to tell folks about the trail, hear about their trail adventures, and generally pass on our enthusiasm for all things Ice Age Trail to our neighbors to the west. During your break time you can browse the other displays or spend money on the severely reduced price merchandise at the adjacent outdoor outfitter. Besides, you can't go hiking during deer season. We have a lot of fun. If you are interested, please contact us by email at chapter@iatchippewa.org.
Where To Find Information
Here's where to look for IAT and IATA information:
IATA Information in General: www.iceagetrail.org
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Information: www.iatchippewa.org AND www.iceagetrail.org/ChippewaMoraine/index.htm
Calendar of Chapter and Alliance Events: www.iceagetrail.org/ChippewaMoraine/calendar.htm
Hiking the trail: www.iceagetrail.org (check the options under the "Hike the IAT" tab)
National Park Service Information about the Ice Age Trail: www.nps.gov/iatr/index.htm
See you on the trail,
Richard Smith
Chippewa Moraine Chapter Chair
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The Ice Age Trail
A Walk Through Time