This Is Drivel

IAT Steenbock Preserve – 11/20/2025

Today’s weather wasn’t the best for hiking: cold, overcast, windy, and just a little bit of drizzle. I went for a hike anyway. I wanted to complete a segment of the IAT I’ve been to before, the Gibraltar Rock segment. I’ve climbed to the scenic overlook of Gibraltar Rock many times, but up until today I never took the time to go just down the road to hike the trail through the Steenbock Preserve. It’s a lovely bit of trail. I’ll have to revisit it when the weather’s nice and the trees are full.

a trail cuts through high grass in the foreground, oak trees tower in the background.
The trail runs across an open oak savanna in the Steenbock Preserve.
straight tree branches piled up in an A-frame
It always creeps me out at least a little bit when I find these in the woods. I don’t know why.
a rustic bench under a gnarled oak tree on the edge of a stone platform
I’ve seen quite a few rest stops along the IAT but this is the most impressive one I’ve seen so far.
A quote from author Terry Goodkind: "To exist in this vase universe for a speck of time is the great gift of Life. The universe will go on, indifferent to our brief existence, but while we are here, we touch not just of that vastness, but also the lives around us. Life is the gift each of us has been given. Each life is our own and no one else's. It is precious beyond all counting. It is the greatest value we can have. Cherish it for what it truly is. Your life is yours alone. Rise up and LIVE IT."
I am not familiar with the works of Terry Goodkind but this seems to be an appropriate quotation for the trail.
a trail through a wooded hilltop covered in fallen oak leaves
The trail runs along a ridge facing the Wisconsin River.
the author in a green hat and a green rain jacket.
Obligatory trail selfie.
, , , , ,

Leave a comment

photo of the author and the author's best friend