Upper eighties and humid isn't ideal hiking weather, but twelve sweaty souls and one four-legged friend enjoyed a hike through Hartland anyways. This waterways-focused hike began at the Hartland Library, where a new Ice Age education area is being created in preparation for a special event later this month. This is all part of Hartland recently becoming an Ice Age Trail Community.
Early in the hike, we traveled through something apathetic for adults and exciting for kids: the Ice Age Alley. With the trail cutting through downtown Hartland, it is a bit different than the more natural terrain we experience on other tyke hikes.
Along the way, we discussed waterways impact on Wisconsin's history. From the rivers being used as transportation in the Fur Trade era to tourism and recreation impacts today and in the future, Wisconsin's waterways are extremely important to who we are and who we become.
Of course, we couldn't just talk about waterways? We had to enjoy them. It was a very "cool " experience in the sweltering heat.
After our dip, Nancy from the Hartland Library read us a wonderful story written by Jim LaMarche entitled The Raft. Growing up in Kewaskum, this author wrote this story based on his own experiences on a Wisconsin waterway, thew Milwaukee River.
After the story ended and we enjoyed another quick dip, we began the trek back to the library. Were the kids ever surprised to see a special guests on the way. While it was great to run into of the greatest Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter has to offer, I have an inkling the tykes were more intrigued by a furrier friend.
It is always great to see the official Ice Age Trail mascot, Monty the Mammoth, especially on such a hot evening. I am also sure Monty was happy to see his smiling fans and his good friend, the Tyke Hike mascot, Mojo.
Another wonderful Tyke Hike in the books. Please consider joining the last Tyke Hike before the school year starts. We're going on a Fungi Hunt Wednesday, August 10th at the Monches Segment. Also, please consider checking out the grand opening celebration of the Ice Age Education Area at the Hartland Library on August 23rd from 2-6pm.
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