Segment Two: Brooklyn State Wildlife Area to Badger State Trail

updated: 11/6/10
Date: 11/6/10
County: Dane
Distance: 11.5 miles
Map: 67f
Route:
Start: northern-most parking area of the Brooklyn State Wildlife Area on D just across from Remy Rd.
West on D
North on Remy Rd.
East on Frenchtown Rd.
North on Pillar Rd.
West on new trail segment
North on Badger State Trail to Purcell Rd
Left on Purcell Rd.
R on borchert Rd
Up Sunset Dr.
R on PB
End at the pet exercise area for Prairie Moraine Park
Company: Valerie
Food/Water: I carried 20 oz. water.  We had homemade granola bars at the finish
Comments:  The sunrise over Brooklyn State Wildlife Area was beautiful--a brilliant red wall of altocumulus puff balls cast the trees of the wildlife area into a jagged silhouette.  The run itself was easy--mostly roads or crushed limestone trail.  There was a long stretch of uphills starting on Sunset Dr. that were tough going and running on the shoulder of PB was no fun: big rigs and cars zipped by fairly fast.

The new segment of trail between Piller Rd and the Badger State Trail was well marked at the road, but it has not been used much, so the track was hard to see and we lost the trail for a while.  We ended up walking through cut corn fields surrounding a small stand of trees we should have run through.  It looked like the trail was easier to follow from the other direction--we saw the yellow blazes clearly when we looked back. 

There were a few wildlife high lights:  On our way to the start terminus of our run, a four point buck sauntered in front of my car.   That was a first for me.  Also, while running, we saw two paper wasp nests hanging from the denuded trees flanking the Badger State Trail.    As we finished our run, we noticed a flock of sheep cantering in the field of golden grasses bordering PB.  We hadn't seen them when we drove past earlier in the morning.  It was a satisfying way to end our adventure. 

We ran most of the way, walking only parts of the new trail segment when we lost our way and as we climbed the hills on Sunset and PB at the end of our run.

Segment One: Brooklyn State Wildlife Area

updated: 10/24/10
Date: 10/24/10
County: Dane
Distance: 6.5 miles
Map: 68f-67f
Route:
Start: northern-most parking area of the Brooklyn State Wildlife Area on D just across from Remy Rd.
North through the Wildlife Area,
Double back to start point
Keep heading south to the southern-most trail head, off of Hughes Road.
Company: Valerie and Sparkle
Food/Water:  carried water.  One water pump en route (very coppery taste).  Fig bars, cinnamon schoolhouse cookies and more water stashed in car at southern trail head.
Comments: Having never been here before, it was hard to find the two trail heads we used.  There are three parking areas for the Brooklyn Wildlife Area trail segment and only the middle one was well marked.  I also had trouble reading road signs (especially for Hughes Rd.)  Of course, it was still a little dark (6:50 am), overcast and drizzling when we arrived.  But, it was a beautiful run--gorgeous scenery (I can only imagine what it looked like two weeks ago) and nice variety in the trail (ups and downs, steep and gentle, rough and smooth).  The cool temperature (upper 40's low 50's) and light rain kept me cool and happy. We only heard one gun shot although it was hunting season (for birds I think) and we did see a hunter in his orange vest packing up his gear as we finished up.  We wore bright yellow (Valerie) and red (Sparkle).  I think I should get an orange vest.

Genesis of the idea

I think my friend Valerie first told me about the Ice Age Trail more than two years ago.  Last Christmas, I gave the official Ice Age Trail Map Book and Companion Guide to my husband.  This fall, my family and I accidentally stumbled on the marker for the eastern terminus of the trail up in Door County.

I love running on trails.  I love being outside, feeling the sun or rain or snow, hearing the small animals and the wind, seeing wildflowers and fungus.  My feet feel happy when I am done. 

I like planning and executing trips: small outings, involved family excursions.  I like thinking of how to entertain my kids, what to eat, what to bring--and then seeing how all of my planning pans out.

I like learning about new things.  I know very little about geology, less about glaciation, and a smidge about the natural history of the state.

What a great way to combine all of these loves: running the Ice Age Trail.  I don't know if or when I'll finish.  But, I've decided to start by running the 65.3 miles of trail in my home county: Dane.