It’s hard to imagine but I leave for The Great Outdoor Challenge in two weeks. So it was back to the Ice Age Trail for yet one more hike. What better place to enter my new favorite trail then Luck, Wisconsin? After all, I need all the luck I can get.
This section is a very pleasant part of the trail. The trail rolls up and down next to creeks and a couple lakes. I did meet a dog who was not happy to see me. It must have been a Republican. I could tell because it was barking at nothing.
Halfway through the hike, I took a respite on a comfortable rock in a clearing to check my map and double check where I was. Confirming my location, I put my map away and glanced to my left and the rock beside me. Here were my Homies, enjoying the sun.
I tried to say hello but I think it came out, “Jesus Christ in heaven, get the F waway from me.”
Gathering my senses, I headed down the trail and I gotta say for the next couple of miles there were more snakes than I have every seen, with the exception of dinner at Mannies.
I continued hiking two segments of the Ice Age Trail and after 13 miles ended up looking for a place to camp, but I couldn’t find a legal place. Now if you know me, it wasn’t finding something that was legal as much as finding something that was comfortable. I was about to hike in further when I got a text that an old friend was in town and wanted to know if I was available for dinner. Well, I will take any excuse to avoid freeze-dried three-bean chili and a 45º night of camping.
Deciding to meet my friend, I hitchhiked out (doing so for the first time in over 40 years). Five minutes later a guy named Randy from Luck Lumber picked me up. Before he let me in his pickup he made me promise him I wouldn’t murder him and of course I did (but I did leave the option open).
Back home and dinner at Nighthawks Diner with Berthiaume.
Oh, and Randy was in Luck, I didn’t kill him.
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