Day 38
Looks like fall up here!
Location: Copper Falls State Park
Distance: 200 feet
Weather: Cool, then cold!
Mood: ready for the next stretch
Haven't had a waterfall selfie in a little while
Today was our last zero day of the trip, which we spent camping in Copper Falls State Park in relative luxury. The running water was already off for the season, but our sites have electricity, phone service and very flat spots to put up a tent. We ended up with two different sites last night and tonight, so we had to walk 200 feet down the NCT from site #6 to site #1, a journey of mere minutes. Since we didn't have much to do today we spent some time hiking another trail in the park, the Doughboys Trail, which goes by several waterfalls and an observation tower.
Other than that we mostly spent the day eating and chatting with friends and family back home by the fire. I've continued to be amazed at the generosity of folks out here as we have been fully stocked with firewood donations for two days. The wood shed in the park has been closed, and without a car we have no easy way to buy wood from outside and get it to our site. Most of the sites here are parked full of massive trailers, so our two tiny 1-person tents and lack of vehicle make people curious as they walk by, and when they find out what we're doing they want to help! Our trail angels yesterday and today shared kindling, firestarter, and big bundles of dry wood to keep us warm the entire time we've been here. It's been near 50 most of the day, which is great hiking weather but less great sitting weather, so it's been especially appreciated. Tonight temperatures are supposed to plunge down to 28 °F tonight, and we are currently sitting by a big fire to celebrate the beginning of our last week on trail.
Tomorrow we head out on our last 20 mile day of the trip, and surprisingly for Wisconsin we'll have a little elevation gain too! We may be the first backpackers on some new trail in the Heritage Chapter of the NCT, and are looking forward to reaching the Michigan border on Friday. Here's hoping everything goes smoothly in our final push toward Lake of the Clouds!