Our Stories

Shari Searles: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Shari Searles

Wisconsin
(Previously received the central patch + Michigan and 1000 Miles.)

September 9-16, 2021

My Wisconsin North Country Trail experience started with a day hike from the Michigan/Wisconsin border with a friend. We camped at Scott Rapids Campsite our first night. I will never forget that night as I had my first bear encounter! The bear bounced my hammock, pawing at my shaker bottle which had a strong chocolate milk smell. I screamed so loud that he did run off. The next morning I hiked the shaker bottle back to the car.

We camped Day 2 at Aden Creek Campsite. The trains are very active through the night and are not afraid to blow their horns! Night 2 of no sleep.

Day 3 we backcountry camped in the pines near an open field. That night we could hear the wolves and coyotes howling. Night 3 of no sleep.

Days 4 and 5, we camped near ponds and heard the beaver slapping their tails throughout the night. That was cool – but led to two more nights of very little sleep. We did see a mom and two bear cubs before reaching Lake Ruth Trailhead. They were so cute. 

Night 6 we camped near a lake. I thought finally nothing would disturb my sleep. We were surrounded by water on three sides. Just as I was about to fall asleep the fish started jumping and splashing in the water. Unbelievable!

Night 7 we stayed at the Marengo River Shelter. I had a much-needed rest as the wind blew overhead throughout the night and brought with it rain for the next three days. We decided to end our hike at Lake Three Trailhead instead of hiking the next three days in the rain.

June 21, 2023

I drove myself to the Moose River Trailhead with my bike and camped in my car for the night. I still remembered the bear encounter near here, no way was I stepping outside in the dark! I was up early and rode the North Country Trail road miles to my starting point, chained my bike to a tree and stupidly didn’t change to my hiking pants. I kept moving, only stopping once for a quick lunch before continuing. The temperatures were hot. I had 52 ounces of water with me and used it all! I could tell I was experiencing some heat exhaustion and my knee was sore. I had lots of water in my car, I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Many prayers later, I saw my car and rehydrated before driving back to my bike. As I got out of the car, my knee locked up on me. No way could I finish hiking and biking 36 more miles in the next two days. Later, I discovered another injury. Hiking in sweaty biking shorts with a shammy caused my underside to blister and peel! Many lessons to learn from mistakes made.

September 2-3, 2023

This was my second attempt to finish the 53 miles of road walking on the western end of Wisconsin. My friend came with baby in tow to do it with me. Even though things went pretty good with the baby, it was in the 90s both days and she decided it was better for all to not hike the next day. She did drop me off at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border and I hiked back to Pattison State Park. I had a very aggressive hunting dog to deal with along the roadwalk section. (My scariest one so far.) I also encountered duck hunters along the Oswald Ponds. I enjoyed Big Manitou Falls before heading back to my car.

December 27-29, 2023

I was able to complete Wisconsin before the New Year. Day 1 was made longer having logging right through the North Country Trail. My boots sank in the muddy, slippery clay above my shoes and there were no trail markings to be found. Luckily, I was prepared with my Avenza map. Day 2: There are much-appreciated boardwalks along this section. I hiked through Copper Falls State Park and saw many beautiful views of waterfalls and the river. I tripped over a log and Superman-sprawled flat on the trail. My wrist hurt, but I knew I could hike with a sore wrist so I finished my hike. Day 3: It was a cold, frosty morning and all the puddles were frozen on the trail, which kept my boots dry! It was beautiful and I completed my hike through Wisconsin.

Learn more about long distance hiker recognition at explorenct.info/NoCoLo/index.htm.