11/26 @ 12:12p CT
On Wednesday, 11/26 @ 12:12p CT I reached the eastern terminus. I walked from one end of Wisconsin to the other over 68 days. I’m still processing this feat hence not posting until now to share (and confirm!) the moment. That, and within an hour of finishing I was in the truck starting the long drive home to Eric and Vivienne waiting for me in Seattle. I’ve been wanting to thru-hike the trail for so many years now that it’s hard to believe that I did it and it’s over. The support of family, friends, and even strangers helped keep me going, especially Eric with his unwavering support, partnership, and love. THANK YOU. I hope this inspires anyone reading to go out and do the hard thing that you’ve been daydreaming about but have put off doing for one reason or another. It’s worth it.
Face-timing with Eric at the terminus.
Moments before reaching the end.
My brother hiked the last three miles with me — bare foot!
Savoring a moment on the trail as I passed through Sturgeon Bay’s downtown.
Starting the last day with coffee, my brother’s military-issued rain poncho, and a snowstorm in the forecast. I finished just before the worst of the snow and was cozy in the truck on my way home when I passed through it.
A last-minute purchase of purple boots for snow and temperatures in the teens that I encountered near Janesville, but otherwise two pairs of shoes took me the 1200 miles across WI.
Why did I want to thru-hike the Ice Age Trail? Initially, I thought it was to reconnect with Wisconsin. Or maybe because I grew up near Devil’s Lake and have always loved geology. It wasn’t until I was on the Monches Segment and heard a group of girls behind me break out into song 🎶 we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of oz 🎶 that it hit me — it’s without question because of the yellow brick road.
