Ice Age Trail Thru Hike…Did I mention it’s hot?

Day 4 ended at mile 61.4

Meeting the challenges! Here’s the reality:

Day 3 we woke with blisters, and Tim was suffering from chaffing. I expected the trail to be difficult. If you’re dreaming of thru hiking know that it’s not just a walk in the woods. Hauling a pack for 20 miles a day is a challenge; in 91 degree weather it’s simply dangerous. Road segments are nice because the terrain is flat but they’re sun exposed. The wooded sections are slightly cooler but hard on the feet with all the steep hills. We’ve been staying very hydrated, but can certainly do better with our meals. By the time we get to camp we are exhausted and not hungry…especially for hot food. Camping is hot and sticky until about midnight. There has not been much rest time which our body’s need to heal prior to moving on. We’ve decided that we may have to reduce our mileage during the hot weather and make up for it when it’s cooler.

We are quite quick! Faster than I expected us to be. In rough terrain we average about 2 mph but on smooth train we’ve been 3 1/2 to 4 mph. We are still getting our groove and dream of autumn weather. I’ve been wearing my bug suit in all the woods. The bugs love me as I knew they would. The suit can be a little warm, but anything beats itching all night long. I look forward to autumn when I don’t have to wear the suit and can see the details of the woods better without mesh over my face. It has also protected me from ticks. Tim, on the other hand, doesn’t like to wear the bug suit because it makes him too warm. He has had a couple ticks but none that have burrowed. We have been doing complete checks regularly.

Tonight (Friday) we have a campsite next to a lake. There’s a cool breeze, and no bugs which is a blessing.

The trail provides:

I’ve had opportunity for self reflection on my life and where it has taken me. I expect much more. So far, this adventure has taught me to be flexible with our itinerary and daily goals. Our health has to come first. Believe it or not, I’m not a competitive person. Hiking Ice Age Trail has been a goal of mine, but for the reason of immersing myself in nature without daily distractions. My ultimate goal is not to hang my hat on completing the Ice Age Trail. I want to get closer to my husband, closer to God, and return home a better version of myself for my family. The trail is where I seek these things.

Here are our highlights from Days 3 & 4. Since each photo came at the expense of one to two mosquito bites to my hands I didn’t take many photos.

https://wiparkinson.org/event/2023-ice-age-trail-thru-hike-for-parkinson-disease/

Ice Age Trail Thru Hike for PD

2023 Move More Challenge: The WPA 1200 

https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/wiparkinson/donation.jsp?campaign=274&&test=true

Thank you so much for your moral support and helping to fund WPA programming!

Dacy & Tim