Spring Thaw on the Ice Age Trail

As spring arrives to Wisconsin, hiking on the Ice Age Trail can sometimes become a challenge.  With the traffic some sections of the Ice Age Trail receives during the winter, the snow gets packed down on the trails.  As the spring thaw comes and this packed snow melts and refreezes, it creates an ice pack on the trail.

Last week I hit up the Ice Age Trail which travels around Devil's Lake and it was a challenge in a lot of areas due to the ice.  This week I hit up the Ice Age Trail in Northern Kettle Moraine heading south from the Greenbush Recreation area and again there were some challenges.

Spring Thaw on the Ice Age Trail

Heading up to the Ice Age Trail from Milwaukee I had the thought that I'd be hiking through a lot of mud since in the city and north of the city, the snow has melted and things have started to dry up.  But as I hit Northern Kettle Moraine and was driving through it via the scenic route, I noticed a lot of snow yet still on the ground in the forest.  My first thought was - yeah, I get to enjoy a little of winter one more time this year.

Ice Age Trail - Northern Kettle Moraine

Arriving at the trailhead, I realized there is a lot of spring thaw still going on in this area.  And the 50 degree weather today was going to really help it along.  That's both good and bad on a day like today.  Immediately hitting the trail, I was on ice.  Melting ice.  Slippery melting ice.  Great.  Today I am training again with a full pack and I brought the dogs with me so no trekking poles along for support.  Ok - so off trail we go around the icy hills.

Ice on the Ice Age Trail - Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Melting Ice, Slippery Melting Ice.  Ice Age Trail Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Spring thaw also hit the open areas on the trail.  Ice. Snow. Mud.  Again - great.  The dogs are finding all of it.  And I know it will all be brought into my car.  But finding the open fields that were drier and having the sun hit us was a good feeling because it is a reminder, spring is coming.

Spring thaw on the Ice Age Trail - Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest

Though I am a lover of winter and snow, having a spring thaw reminds me that with spring comes a refreshing newness.  And with this comes new life in the forest.  And hiking the Ice Age Trail in a few weeks will be completely different than it was today.  Beautiful greens from the plants, vibrant colors from the flowers, buzzing of bugs flying through the air.  I think a hike today with the spring thaw has finally mentally prepared me for the next season.  Though I'm sad to see winter gone, it will surely come again and I'll be right here ready for it to arrive.

“Spring work is going on with joyful enthusiasm.”   John Muir

That's kind of how I felt today.