Through-hiker Chet Anderson passed through Chippewa County on July 17-19 and left some thankful comments about the trail and Rod Gont from the Visitor Center. Here's what he had to say:
"I had been walking on a nice mowed trail for a long time. About a half hour before dark I met Rod who was walking home on the trail. He worked at the visitor center and was the one who mowed the trail as a volunteer. Rod explained how to obtain water at the center when it was closed and about the campsite coming up (some campsites were easy to miss). Rod said, “See you in the morning.” I said that I’m on the trail before 6:00 a.m. and would probably miss him. I arrived at the center just after 6:00 the next morning as he drove in and opened up for the day. It was super to have access to the restrooms and hot water. Hats’ off to a dedicated and very kind individual!"
If you are interested in his entire journal, you can view it here: Gray Ghost Ice Age Trail Journal. (It's easier to read if you just download the PDF.)