Tyke Hike #8 - Lapham Peak

As anyone living in the Badger State knows, Wisconsin weather is consistently inconsistent. So, a few months back, when I started scheduling Tyke Hikes for 2015, I knew it would be a gamble to start in February. And as the minutes crept past the start time of our scheduled hike this morning, I had a feeling my gamble wouldn't pay off at all. However, just as my wife, daughter, and fellow volunteer, Kevin, were about to set off on our own, a car pulled up and a tyke emerged from the back seat. Tyke Hike season had officially begun!

With subzero temperatures throughout the week, a 30 degree morning seemed down right balmy for the 7 hikers who ventured out on the Plantation Path trail at Lapham Peak. The usual Tyke Hike crew was joined by a forest ranger from Bigfoot Beach and her family. Together, the five adults and two-some of toddlers enjoyed checking out pine cones, throwing snowballs, and greeting the many four-legged friends out and about this morning.

In just a  month, Tyke Hikes will resume on the first day of spring, the vernal equinox. We will   explore the Monches segment and learn more about the Ice Age Trail and how the world around us wakes up and gets ready for the warmer weather. Please consider joining us!

Are You Ready for Tyke Hike Season 2015?

The 2015 Tyke Hike season is only a week away and there's plenty in store for everyone. I can't give away all the surprises, but let's just say the hikes will be more interactive, will include more post-hike activities, and maybe include a special guest or two along the way.

Please tell your friends, spread the word, but most importantly, COME ON OUT and enjoy the beauty nature provides us all year long.

P.S.- Details for each specific hike are available the at the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance's Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/iatawaukmilw)

WHAT ARE TYKE HIKES?

Tyke Hikes are short, slow-paced hikes promoting nature and family hiking in an outdoor educational setting. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to come experience Wisconsin’s outdoors as they explore portions of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Led by Peter Dargatz, a kindergarten teacher and volunteer for the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter, each session will focus on a particular nature-related topic on a leisurely trek on the trail. Post-hike educational materials and certificates for the children will also be provided. Hikes typically last  60-90 minutes and cover up to 1.5 miles in length.

                    

Date	Location	Topic
Saturday, Feb. 21st  - 10AM	Lapham Peak (Homestead Hollow)	Winter Walk
Saturday, March 21st -  10AM	Monches	Spring
Saturday, April 18th  - 10AM	Hartland (Hartland Marsh)	Marsh life
Saturday, May 23rd – 10AM	Lapham Peak (tower left)	Glaciers
Thursday, June 25th  - 6PM	Monches	Wisconsin Wildlife
Thursday, July 16th - 6PM	Pike Lake	Forests
Thursday, August 6th - 6PM	Hartland (Centennial Park)	Waterways
Saturday, September 12th - 10AM	Waterville	Prairies
Saturday, October 10th - 10AM	Lapham Peak (tower right)	Fall Colors
Saturday, November 7th - 10AM	Monches	Preparing for Winter
Saturday, December 5th - 10AM	Lapham Peak (Homestead Hollow)	Winter Walk