Ice Age Trail hike number two for the Mammoth Hike Challenge was the 4.6 mile Whitewater Lake Segment that is between the Clover Valley Segment (1.6 miles) and the Blackhawk Segment which is 7 miles.
I choose this segment because Megan is in her last semester of college at UW-Whitewater and I thought it would be a great excuse for me to go and spend some time with her and selfishly have some company while I get my miles for the Mammoth Hike Challenge.
Check out the first installment of my challenge.
I left home at about 8:30 and gave Megan instructions to meet me at the parking lot closest to the trail near the west end of the Whitewater Lake Segment. I told her I would let her know my arrival time once I got off the I-43 exit at East Troy.
An hour and a half later I pulled into the Kwik Trip right off the East Troy exit and sent her a text with my arrival time.
She was waiting for me, so she hopped in with me and we drove the 8 minutes to the trail head off highway 12. This trailhead connects the Whitewater and Blackhawk segments. There we crossed the highway and began our hike westward. I’d say there were about 20 vehicles parked, so I figured we would meet a few fellow hikers along the way.
We had some light rain starting out, but that soon stopped and although it was mostly cloudy during our hike, it actually was a nice day for our hike.
If I didn’t say it before, I love the Guthook app on my phone to track my hikes on the trail. Using the GPS along the way to see how far I am to the end point is a huge bonus. I can record every hike, the time, and the length. It all stays in the Recorded Tracks in my profile. I can also save routes, create custom waypoints, and even check in on social. Not only does it cover the Ice Age Trail, but many other trails in the US and the World. You do have to purchase each guide, but if you intend to use it often, I suggest it. The Ice Age Trail on the app is divided in sections.
Back to our hike. The Whitewater Lake Segment made for a scenic hike. A mix of hilly terrain and flat wide paths make up this 4.6 mile segment. At one point you come out of the woods into a clearing and a stunning overlook. The fall colors were not a peak yet as we were most likely a week too early for the fall spectacle of color. The view at that point was worth a few minutes rest at a strategically placed bench. There were a few steep inclines to navigate and again I realized how I need to stay off my behind and do more of this! It’s doubly hard when you are talking along the way. 🙂
We met quite a few people along the way. Runners and hikers of all ages and a few four legged friends too. Lots of families were out enjoying the outdoors together. Again I realized how blessed we are to have this national treasure right here in Wisconsin. To think there are many Wisconsin residents that do not even know about the trail. I’m hoping to change that. Or do we want to keep it a secret?
An hour and 45 minutes and four miles later, we came to the parking lot where Megan’s car was parked. We didn’t quite finish the whole segment because of the parking lot located before the end, but that was okay. There’s plenty of trail left.
We were both hungry and Megan was eager to take me to a place her friends have been going to quite a bit lately. Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company was just a few miles away and had giant pretzels that she said I had to try.
This place is literally in the middle of nowhere and was once a family farm. For an early afternoon, the parking lot was pretty full and Megan informed me, it was usually busy and a popular place.
She was right, the brewery was busy with no open tables inside. That was fine by us, we preferred to sit outside anyway and even though it was a little chilly, there were patio heaters set up. I ordered a flight of four which was $10. My favorite of the four? Hands down the Nutty Bill’s. Have you ever had a beer that smells and tastes like peanut butter? If you like peanut butter, you will love Nutty Bill’s!
We ordered a pretzel which comes with 2 dipping sauces. We chose cheese and honey mustard. It was huge and more than we could eat. At $14 it served as an early supper.
Megan finished her cider, I my flight plus it was getting too chilly out so it was time for me to tackle the 2 hour drive home. We said our goodbyes and we went our separate ways. I could clearly see why Megan and her friends like going to Duesterbeck’s. In the time of Covid everyone was masked up and they had ample outdoor seating.
It was a fabulous day and even better to spend it with my favorite girl!
A couple days later I returned to my trusty Walla Hi Segment on a sunny afternoon to complete my first 10 miles for the challenge. Ten miles down-30 more to go!!
That’s where I’m at currently for my Mammoth Hike Challenge. Planning my next segment which will be the LaBudde Creek Segment near Elkhart Lake and the Greenbush Segment.
Until next hike….
Read more about why I love the Ice Age Trail
Questions? Comments? Share then with me!