Journey

day 6

this was the first day of total road walking. there was a lot of traffic, & the road was hot. my route went through quite a bit of the flooded area…very distructive water. the roads had just opened fortunately. stopped to eat in baraboo. then stopped to cool down at a camp along the road. ate a hamburger at a grill along the hwy and
finally got to the wis river where i took the ferry across. i realized i was right next to the ice age trail, so off the road, into the bluffs on the trail i went. on top i found a flat spot to pitch my tent with a view of the river. i am pretty content right now in my tent with the breeze blowin in. i really enjoy camping.
almost 9 pm. i hear fireworks way off in the distance. GOD continues to take tender care of my every need. thank you who are praying i can feel HIS presence all day.
i am praying for safeplace.

last night when i was dosing off to sleep,little lights were popping all around my tent. it took me a moment to realize it was fireflies, even between my tent and the fly. it was quite wonderful. they only show their lights when it gets dark. God reminded me that it is not dark for Him. i was so comforted by that.

journey

day 5

i connected with some friends around 12 pm today to stay with for the day on lake delton. there is no lake water, but still peaceful here. i rested my feet. i think i have bruised them when i wore my orthotics the first day. it is taking a long time for them to heal.
the post office is closed today and tomorrow, so i missed getting the package from safe place.
i am sitting on the deck looking over the lake waiting for the fireworks. there are bats flying all around me, but im not going to let them bother me right now.
firework show has started…happy 4th!

just thinking about why we set fireworks off, and celebrate the 4th. it was worth dying for, to be independant and free to the people back then, something we take for granted because we have freedom, and have not been without it.
this day has reminded me to be grateful, and to think long and hard about the precious things i have…the important stuff that is worth dying for.
this trek is very valuable when it comes to thinking about important stuff.
sorry i wasn’t able to connect with the news paper in mauston. i left a message with them. my phone had no service from sparta on. i re-routed because the trail was usable…much safer and enjoyable then the roads.
i am going to sun prairie. that paper contacted me too.
journey

day 4

this was an extra ordinary day. i met some nice people in elroy. went to the library to check email…gathered information about the 400 trail-then after encouragement from the info center, headed down the 400 trail. i won’t be in mauston or portage. i took a short day to wanewoc…arriving in town at 4 pm. asked directions for the camp ground and as i was walking down the sidewalk, two women stopped me,asked me what i was doing…then one invited
me to dinner. they then took me to a wanewoc sign and took pictures of me. i pitched my tent at the campground, tended to my feet, then went to dinner. three of us sat and talked while mike and pam prepared a meal. mike served:beef patties,grilled salmon,pirch,veges,and rice. we had fresh strawberries and apples…and joan brought out fresh baked chocalate chip cookies and carmel bars. it was a gormet meal. we ate on the patio…telling stories and getting to know eachother. they asked about safeplace kids and want do a story. so many treasures came out of that time and i will never forget the kindness of these once strangers, now trail angels.

day 3

hi: this morning dave left for home and i headed down the trail about 5:45 am.
it was real interesting today going through several town, and the trail crossing over hwy 90 on a bike bridge twice. i saw many animals use the trail too: deer, mink, badgers, beautiful blue birds, yellow finch, and magpies. there were farm cats,{one with no tail} kittens, and dogs being walked, and last but not least, many friendly bikers, walkers and towns people.
today was a 26 mile day. went through my first thunderstorm, and through three tunnels. i couldn’t find camping in kendell, so i am in a little motel with breakfast in the morning :}
talk to you tomorrow!

day 2

this morning, dave and i were walking to get some moleskin for our blisters when someone from across the street called to us to come into his restaurant. he saw us in the paper & wanted to give us breakfast for free. we met some very nice people there…a lady who recognized me from the paper and gave me $ for safeplace kids! this day has been so fun walking into towns and being recognized. i just have to say that the kids of safeplace are very special, and worth every mile i am walking. tonight we are in a hotel in sparta where a friend, sarah fellman will meet us to take dave back to winona, and bring me tennis shoes :}

at 11:30 am, winona daily news met us in town to take our picture. we ate lunch at the trempealeau hotel, then off we went.
we are in a hotel tonight because of our sore bodies. i have 2 of the biggest blisters a person can have on their feet…guess they got too hot. amazing day!
bye for now…..

Day 1

anticipating a great day of hiking with dave on the open trail. nothing energizes me more then being outside in God’s beautiful nature. i enjoy putting my pack on my back breathing in the outdoors. it has been raining a lot this we,but clearing up tomorrow to start. mostly, i am excited about helping the kids at day camp in chicago. i am looking so forward to meeting them. see you when i get there!