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.