We traveled to Taylor County on National Trails Day to meet up with High Point Chapter Chair Buzz Meyer at our meeting point deep in the forest. It was seriously overcast, but we were hopeful.
We broke into two groups, those up for a longer hike (led by JoAnn Parks) and those interested in a bit less (led by Buzz). Both groups had a great time, although it did begin to rain about 12:45 and was in serious drizzle mode as the time wore on.
Chippewa Moraine Chapter members Carol Johnson, Donna Jean Pachaud, Chuck Gorecki, Christine Schaaf, JoAnn Parks, Pat McKearn, and Richard Smith were joined by Superior Lobe members Toni Fuller, Penny Branish, and Toni Dougherty. Jim Connell, declaring himself a Blue Hills member for the day, was along, as was Ginger Lee of Waukesha-Milwaukee Chapter, and of course, Buzz Meyer of High Point.
The hemlocks and yellow birch charmed, and the deep canyons on either side of the esker made the hike seem as if through a chapel in places. Wildflowers were prolific as well, including Canada Dogwood, Canada Mayflower, Starflower, and Sarsaparilla. The dominating hemlock and yellow birch are rare along the Chippewa Moraine trails, as is the sight of yellow birch standing on finger tips to straddle the decaying hemlock stump that nourished it in its youth.
After we finished hiking, we were off to the Mondeaux Lodge for pizza and a chance to review the historical exhibit showing the creation of Mondeaux flowage and life at the CCC camp.
Thanks to JoAnn Parks for organizing the event, to Chuck Gorecki for the idea, and most of all to Buzz Meyer for being such a superlative host and tour guide.
