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| Hiking | 8.02 Miles |
612 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.02 Miles | 2 Hrs 37 Mns | | 3.06 mph |
| 612 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This is the third straight year I’ve hiked an Ice Age Trail segment: In 2015, I hiked from Glenbeulah to Parnell Tower, completing a route my Boy Scout troop failed to finish — due to deer season — back in November, 1972. In 2016, I hiked from Parnell Tower to Crooked Lake. This year, I planned to continue south, from Crooked Lake to New Fane, which is only about six miles, throwing in a loop around Mauthe Lake to give me a more healthy ten miles or so.
When my wife dropped me off at Crooked Lake, I heard thunder, but there was no way I was not hiking.
I had gone no more than 50 yds. into the woods south of County SS, when it started drizzling, and did not let up until I got to Mauthe Lake 75 minutes later. Thankfully, the heavy canopy kept most of the drizzle off me.
It was by Mallard Hole Lake where I unfortunately began encountering the eagle-sized mosquitoes which would plague me the remainder of my hike. (The drizzle had washed away the Off! with which I had doused myself at Crooked Lake.)
I walked up the Mauthe Lake access drive, meeting my wife near the beach house / concession stand. The beach house also has toilet facilities, but since no one was around, I did not bother checking to see if it was unlocked. I had been hoping to hike the Tamarack Circle Nature Trail around Mauthe Lake, but as the sky was 100% overcast, and lighting thus so poor, I did not bother. Instead, I refilled my water bottle, kissed my wife, and headed back towards the entrance.
It took me awhile to find where the Ice Age Trail continues south of the Mauthe Lake entrance. It is 75 yds. northwest of the front gate, and 75 yds. southwest of the pit toilet, near the brown sanitary disposal sign.
There were almost no flowers between Mauthe Lake and County GGG, but I did start spotting many varieties of tree & ground fungi. To photograph the fungi, or anything else, for the final hour of my hike, I had to do it quick, lest I be eaten alive by mosquitoes. Quick walking kept them from finding safe purchase. I also hit on the idea of using my sweat rag as neck cover, since the rag’s swirling motion kept the illegitimate offspring off my head & neck.
When I reached County DD, I headed west into New Fane, on a road which had been torn up to lay new sewer lines. Signs said local traffic only, so I hoped my wife would be there. Indeed she was, and a good thing too, as I was within 50 ft. of our rental car when the skies opened up and the deluge began.
Hike Video: [ youtube video ] |
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Wildflowers Observation Substantial
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| http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
