For 2026 my goals are simple. Hike at least 200 miles of IAT, finish the hikes I need to collect 3 patches (every county the trail is in has a chapter. If you hike all the miles for a chapter you can send in for a patch and certificate) and doing some of these hikes with family & friends.

Luckily I’ll just have bruises to deal with.

I’m only spraying them if they charge me which is highly unlikely. I’m mostly worried about startling one since the trails I’ll be hiking are pretty remote and I’ll be by myself. I’m already making a playlist so hopefully my off key singing keeps them away naturally.

I like that idea that I can practice. I’ve been reading tips and watching videos.

Having a supportive parent is so important. 🙏🏻

The house smells heavenly

All in all I marked another 2.6 miles off the Ice Age trail bringing my percentage of completion to 3%! I’m hoping for one more hike before the end of the year the week after Xmas. This winter I’ll probably focus on trail communities & the Ahnapee state trail portions as it’s crushed packed gravel.

Algoma reminded me of a the small town in central Wisconsin I grew up in. The lakeshore was windy AF and Lake Michigan seemed particularly angry today. Really made me think of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and how terrifying it must have been.