April 20, 2025, Westfield, Wisconsin, by Roger Carpenter
I left chilly Antigo knowing that I was, at last, leaving the Northwoods and heading south. Would the weather begin to warm with the change in latitude? I also knew that over the next eight days and 162 miles, much of the IAT route would be on roads. It meant no more bushwacking around fallen trees like I did in the Kettle Bowl segment. The sight of newly blossomed wildflowers along the Plover River lifted my spirits. While the Northwoods was teaming with beaver, Geese, and Wood Ducks, the presence of flowers was a good omen.
On April 25, I wanted to push ahead to a 3-sided shelter in the Iola Ski Area. But that meant hiking 30 miles, mostly on roads, and another tavern in midday. I was motivated by the chilly, steady drizzle that discouraged any rest stops until I arrived in Rosholt, where the tavern was. I arrived at the shelter late in the evening, and took advantage of the electric power and even lights! Along the Ice Age Trail, a hiker can gain an edge by using resources like a shelter. This is not a remote wilderness hike.
Road walking meant passing by many rural homes and farms. I concluded that Wisconsin Bigfoot is alive and well in the form of yard art! When my hike is concluded, I will write a post devoted to the wonderfully creative yard art I encountered.
It was 65 and sunny on April 26, a perfect day for hiking anywhere, including past the huge corn fields and dairy farms. A detour off tbe roads led to the three-mile long Skunk and Foster Lakes segment. It was a beautiful Saturday, and I met several day hikers. One of the hikers was Ruth, a volunteer for the IAT and the sister of Ruby, the kind woman who transported me off the chilly Wisconsin River area and to the town of Merrill.
That evening of April 26, I camped just outside of the tiny town of Sheridan, which has a tavern! The campsite is on private property, and includes a tiny cabin IAT hikers can use. I slept in my tent, but encountered ticks for the first time on this trail. The warmer temperatures have waken the ticks.
On April 27, after hiking 50 miles in two days I chose to make the Hartman Creek State Park campground my destination after an easy 7 mile hike. The downtime in my spacious campsite was made even better when the campground hosts, Janet and Steve, invited me to join them for beer and peanuts. I valued the great conversation we had, especially after so many miles of solo hiking. By now, you may notice the pattern of drinking beer. There is no doubt that many folks in Wisconsin love to drink beer!
I am encouraged by the gradually improving weather and the nice pace along this flat section of the IAT. In two days I will arrive in Portage, where I will take a zero day.
Follow my progress on my Garmin InReach map:
We were happy to share our beer and salted peanuts in the shell along with conversation with you at Hartman Creek. I am now reading “Wild” and learning so much about what it is like to thru hike these amazing trails! Happy trails to you.
Janet & Steve
The afternoon at Hartman Creek CG was a favorite time on my journey. I recently met another thru-hiker who told me he was inspired by Wild and hiked the Appalachian Trail. A decade after Wild was published, I still meet people whose lives were changed after reading the book.
Happy half way Roger. Hope the second half of your journey only gets better
Yes!! So glad to get an update
I grew up going to Hartman Creek State Park, so glad you had a good stop there keep on keeping on!!