NCT WI questions

[Loonatic]

Had to make it a two-night trip so camped at Porcupine Lake up on the hill both nights, and hiked to Owen Lake watering hole and back on the second day. That's a mighty fine hiking trail, and love the back-country camping. Only saw one father-son party of two on trail. Oodles of peace and solitude. Had debated whether I needed a down jacket and whether I'd make do with 40 degree top and bottom quilts. Glad I went with a heavier pack weight.

Did encounter a porcupine on trail. **** things are slow to clear. Glad my pup listens to me when I give her a "leave it". She backed off before getting too close. I'd love to get back there once a year.

[alifeoutdoors]

Had to make it a two-night trip so camped at Porcupine Lake up on the hill both nights, and hiked to Owen Lake watering hole and back on the second day. That's a mighty fine hiking trail, and love the back-country camping. Only saw one father-son party of two on trail. Oodles of peace and solitude. Had debated whether I needed a down jacket and whether I'd make do with 40 degree top and bottom quilts. Glad I went with a heavier pack weight.

Did encounter a porcupine on trail. **** things are slow to clear. Glad my pup listens to me when I give her a "leave it". She backed off before getting too close. I'd love to get back there once a year.

Excellent, glad you had a good time. Thanks for the report. lol Understandable, Porcupine Lake is a wonderful spot.

[Loonatic]

I'm thinking about heading up today to do this trip again. Does anyone know how the trail conditions are currently? I see that bear hunting with dogs starts today, but I assume that isn't allowed in the wilderness areas? It also looks as though all the rain from last weekend missed the NCT in the Porcupine Lake area.

[Loonatic]

Ended up camping with my lab at the top of Porcupine Lake for 2 nights. Had I known that a gale was coming Wed night, I would have camped down below in a sheltered spot. That was the strongest wind I've ever experienced under a tarp. One of the four corner stakes came out during the night, even though I had groundhog stakes. The wind whipping the tarp kept me up most of the night. Was too windy to get a fire going in the morning, so no coffee or warm food. Fortunately I had a light down jacket in the pack, or I'd have froze. Was very nice after the wind died down Thu afternoon.

[Alpha]

if you guys don't mind I'd like to piggy back off your thread. I'm looking to do a 6-7 day hike up in Wisconsin next week for my birthday. I've been thinking about doing Chequamegon/Taylor county section of the Ice Age Trail. Would you recommend this or perhaps a different area up there I can do 6 or 7 days in? I'd prefer primitive camping spots like Loonatic. Thanks in advance!

[Loonatic]

Taylor Co, is very nice at this time of year. Too wet in spring/early summer; too buggy in summer. Great now.