#76 | The Ice Age Trail (Luke Kloberdanz from the Ice Age Trail Alliance)

Today we are joined by Luke Kloberdanz, the director of philanthropy at the Ice Age Trail Alliance.  As you may have guessed, we geek out very much about all things Wisconsin, so much so, that Chaunce is convinced to make this the destination of Backpacker Radio's next road trip.  We talk about Luke's own thru-hike, the wonderful tradition that is the Wisconsin Fish Fry, the history of this trail, and why it might be the ideal trek during a pandemic. We address why Chaunce's face matches her hair, get sucked down a Taco Bell Vortex, announce a new full-time opening at The Trek, and just generally lose our minds toward the end of this episode.  I highly recommend having a PBR handy for this one.     [divider] Listen   Download this episode. [divider] Backcountry.com discount code: Use code: Backpacker15 to save 15% on your first purchase from Backcountry.com/backpackerradio Zpacks discount code:Use code: HEXAMIDBPR for $25 discount at Zpacks.com Greenbelly discount code: Use code: Trek2020 for 10% off sitewide at greenbelly.co. [divider] Apply to be The Trek's Full-Time Content + Marketing Specialist The Trek's Pledge to Do Better BACKPACKER RADIO MERCH Interview with Luke Kloberdanz from the Ice Age Trail Alliance Ice Age Trail Alliance  Contact Luke: [email protected] QOTD: What color is Chaunce's face? Hikerlink! Intro Song: Walking Slow by Animal Years Intro beats: Pauly Boy Shallcross Check out Trail Correspondents Check out The Attempt!  [divider] 00:04:38 - QOTD: What color is Chaunce's face?  00:07:38 - Can Zach say Luke's name?  00:08:13 - How did Luke get involved with the Ice Age Trail? 00:10:06 - How long is the Ice Age Trail? Can you tell us more about it? 00:10:53 - Where does the money to purchase land for the trail come from?  00:11:41 - Why does the IAT go where it goes?  00:12:54 - Is the IAT constructed that way because of aesthetics or historical reasons?  00:16:52 - How was your thru-hike?  00:19:16 - You were the 11th person to thru-hike the IAT? 00:20:44 - What was the trail like when you hiked (single track vs. road walking)?  00:20:54 - Is there an official road walk for the portions that aren't single track?  00:21:58 - What percentage of days could someone eat a fish fry while thru-hiking the IAT? 00:22:47 - Do you go through a lot of towns on the IAT?  00:23:33- Is there a traditional route on the IAT (west to east vs. east to west)?  00:24:25 - Was Spotted Cow a thing during your thru-hike?  00:25:10 - Can you explain the fish fry?  00:28:14 - Do you emphasize the cultural aspect of the IAT?  00:30:30 - Has Chaunce had a fried cheese curd before? 00:30:54 - Can you explain the importance of the squeakiness of a cheese curd?  00:32:45 - Backpacker Radio Merch 00:33:25 - Does the trail go through Madison? 00:34:30 - What are the campsites like on the IAT?  00:36:34 - What are the water sources like on the IAT? 00:37:56 - What is the recommended season to hike the IAT? And what is the typical pace?  00:41:08 - What's the elevation change like on the IAT?  00:42:24 - What's the practicality of hiking the IAT during coronavirus?  00:45:22 - How does someone get involved with the IAT?  00:46:40 - What kind of wildlife will people see on the IAT?  00:47:54 - What does someone do if they encounter a wolf?  00:49:32 - What is the traditional garnish for a Wisconsin Bloody Mary? 00:52:10 - Are there specific highlights of the IAT? Section hikes you'd recommend?  00:56:37 - The IAT is for_______? 00:59:14 - [email protected] call the IATA office, etc.   SEGMENTS The Trek Propaganda : The Trek is Hiring A Full-Time Content + Marketing Specialist   Mail Bag / Backcountry Matchmaking combo  Tess Bjorgen - [email protected] Linda - instagram: @lindasince1987 James "Medicine Man" Marsh -  @venture_into_adventure  Yiran "Clax" - @yiranhikes  5 Star Reviews  Doug Laher's Episode  How to Eat Vegetarian at Taco Bell and How to Eat Vegan at Taco Bell Pupdate 1 Minute Gear Reviews Chaunce: Her buff / Thermarest Mondo  Zach: Big Agnes Tiger Wall 3  Comment _______ to win a sticker! [divider] Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Christopher Marshburn, Janelle L, Paul Packman Sealy, S11N, Sawyer Products, and Thomas Fullner A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Dcnerdlet, Jacob Northrup, Jason Lawrence, Jeff LaFranier, Jeffrey Miller, Mark Snook, Mitchell, Peter, Peter Ellenberg, and Zoe Jenkins Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and  Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube.