A two hour drive got us up to about 4 miles of the John Muir Park, where I met with Kathleen McGuin for an interview. I’ll be giving another presentation on August 7, featuring stories from the trail but mostly my philosophy and love for the outdoors … How it makes me feel.

Trail Conditions:
excellent, except that when the trail comes out in Portage it empties out into a rough and seemingly abandoned section of town. I questioned if I was on the right street or if I had missed the trail somewhere. Also, there’s a nice bicycle path in town but the IAT takes me through the busy section of the town instead.

Weather:
Muggy, low 80s, glorious rain and cloudy! And then it got muggy again and the Mosquitos were the worst that they have ever been!

Totem Animals:
pileated woodpecker, Eagle, Sandhill cranes, dragonfly, great blue heron,

Highs:
the trail was one of my favorite yet as the Marquette and Portage Sections crossed the road just one time in it’s approximate 6 mile section!
Feeling the energy of John Muir, my kindred in nature.
Being interviewed by Kathleen McGwin. She is such an interesting and lovely woman with a lot of passion for nature.

Lows:
the WORST
mosquito day to date! They were biting through my bug suit… I didn’t dare stop for any reason!

People on trail: 0

TIPS:

For heat rash that I get while hiking the IAT in the dense humidity, I’ve started applying Slippery Elm paste to my welts.

Before you hit the trail, mix the dry slippery elm powder with water to make a mucousy paste. The paste soothes my heat rash and the red welts quickly turn lighter.

Check into slippery elm for it’s many uses!

IAT Day 25 (map56)

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