Monches

About four years ago, my wife and I became familiar with the Ice Age Trail. On a trip to a friend's house, we saw a number of cars parked on the side of a road. Upon, further investigation, we came across the trailhead to the Monches Segment. it wasn't long before we checked it out for ourselves and instantly fell in love with it. Soon after, with the birth of our first daughter, it became a regular visit. With our newest tyke entering the world just two weeks ago, we decided it was time to introduce her to the trail.

Our eldest was more than happy to be the hike leader, a task she has taken over on our Tyke Hikes. We made many of our usual stops. From the tree cavity to searching for acorn hats and climbing fallen logs, we all enjoyed a windy and sun-soaked hike.

Embry also felt the need to help the trail and other hikers by clearing the path of the many sticks that had fallen during the latest round of overnight windstorms.

We even found a downed tree splitting a blaze in two. Embry made sure to bop both blazes simultaneously.

What was once our "diaper changing tree" was now our snack log, though it will probably be used for diapers again with our newest tyke hitting the trails.

Just off trail, we noticed a tree with a significant burl. Embry climbed it and became an official burl girl.

Of course, no hike is complete without some natural play time. I am very excited to have Embry share the natural play experience with her younger sister.