Ice Age Trail Trail Dispatch
November 2013
Moonlight Hike, 7 PM Friday, Nov. 15
We’ve planned a special event to say “thank you” to our members and volunteers: a Moonlight Hike this Friday, November 15. The hike will take place at the Chippewa Moraine, but in a remote part of the park. We’ll hike about ¾ mile to a hidden lodge, where a crackling fire will await us along with hot chocolate and water for you to make tea with. Bring along whatever refreshments you would like, including something to roast (hint: marshmallows) over the fire. We’ll hang out for a bit and warm up, and then either head back or explore a bit more.
Meet at 7 PM at the “Old Girl Scout Camp” gate, which is on 145th St, ½ mile north of County Highway M. 145th St is 1.5 miles east of the main Chippewa Moraine entrance, and is marked with the Camp Manitou sign. Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs to guide your way once you get in the area. Here’s a map to get you there.
The nearly full moon should guide our hike through the mostly leafless woods, whether the sky is cloudy or clear.
This special event is our way to say thanks to members and volunteers, but don’t hesitate to invite your guests or friends to join you.
Annual Chapter Members’ Meeting, Monday Nov. 18
Our annual members’ meeting has been changed to November beginning this year, and we hope you can join us. There are the usual “annual meeting” types of things, like electing officers, adopting a budget, and receiving some reports about our activities for the past year. We’ll also discuss what’s on our plate for 2014.
Our special guest will be Alison Sazama, president of the Chippewa County Land Conservancy. She’s on hand to help us make a special announcement that we can’t wait to tell you about. One of the highlights of 2013 was the acquisition by CCLC of a magnificent tract of land that will enable a future reroute of the trail. The reroute will permanently protect the trail route and get hikers off a busy highway. It is a spectacular place.
The meeting is at 6:30 PM at the Chippewa Falls Public Library, 105 W. Central St, Chippewa Falls WI.
Regional Rally, Sunday Nov. 17
IATA has hosted an annual regional event for several years, and this year’s event has been renamed the Regional Rally. We’ll meet in a unique location near Weyerhaeuser and learn about trail issues and topics of concern to the northwestern chapters.
Thinking Like a Hiker is our theme for this event. Collaborate with fellow statewide volunteers regarding chapter successes and learn hands-on techniques to enhance trail signage. We'll explore in depth the details of the Trail Signage Notebook and how to implement the standards.
All are welcome! You do not need to be an IATA member or volunteer to participate. But if you've wanted to learn more about volunteering on the Trail, this is a great opportunity to get invovled.
Lunch is on us. Please register if you plan on coming.
Outdoor Expo, Sunday Nov. 24
Our semi-annual visit to the Outdoor Expo in Minneapolis falls on Sunday, Nov. 24 this year. It’s our chance to tell the attendees of this silent sports themed event about the Ice Age Trail. This year, we’re proud to be surrounded by a brand-new exhibit display which our chapter recently purchased for this and other events.
We’re always recruiting volunteers to accompany us and help share our enthusiasm for the trail. If you’d like to join us (it is an all-day thing, with travel), please email us. The perks include an opportunity to buy some great outdoor stuff at a great discount.
The Expo runs Friday through Sunday, so if you want to stop by, or learn more about the location and directions, see the website.
Deer Season
The late fall season is punctuated by a rhythm of hunting seasons, some of which affect hiking. The gun deer season is a time to be extra careful if you choose to be out, so note that the dates are November 23-December 1, Be sure to wear orange if you are in the woods during this time.
The Storm Before the Calm
Mid November this year is shaping up to be a very busy time for the Ice Age Trail Alliance and its members, as you can see by this newsletter. However, once we hit Thanksgiving, you probably won’t hear much from us for awhile. As you sit by the fire, recall this season’s accomplishments, great hikes, and new trail friends. When the trail beckons, don some snowshoes and don’t hesitate to check it out. Winter is a great time to be on the trail.
Next year promises to be just as busy as this year, with corridor planning activities, an MSC trail building event, our usual round of chapter activities and hikes, perhaps opening a new temporary trail segment, and our always hungry trail maintenance.
Thanks to all our members, volunteers, and friends for an amazing 2013, and do rest up and come back full of energy for 2014!