Day 36
Trying to cool down at the overlook
Pearce came here every year between 1937 and 1950.
Maybe you can see it if you zoom all the way in to the hilltop in the center
Location: Lake Three
Distance: 15 mi
Weather: still hot, then rainy and cool in the evening
Mood: tired from the heat but hopeful for tomorrow
We've had hot, sunny weather since crossing into Wisconsin, and while it's been very nice to have dry tents, this streak of mid-80 degree days has made hiking difficult! We hit some of the most interesting sights we've seen in Chequamegon National Forest, including an old fire tower with vintage graffiti and several overlooks over the Marengo River valley.
Many miles later we saw the fire tower peeking up through the forest, barely visible in the distance. I love overlooks that provide that sense of expansive distance; wow we walked all that way!
The wind had been blowing hard all day and as we reached camp, the day ended with some heavy rain. A harbinger of cooler weather ahead! During a brief pause in the downpour, just as the last golden rays of sunset tinged the top of the trees, a rainbow vaulted full across the sky over the lake. I don't know the last time I saw a rainbow like that, maybe never. Minutes later the sun sank below the horizon and new storm clouds rolled in, ending the show and leaving us to cook dinner in the rain, drenched but happy to have seen it.