Kettle Moraine State Forest -- 2001
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As preparation for Winter hike, we elected to camp in Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit. We reserved the shelter north of New Fane, south of Mauthe Lake. In Winter, the New Fane section is popular with cross-country skiers and the trails are groomed. When we checked in, we were advised we could cross the groomed trails to reach our shelter. The snow was very deep, and we became more experienced with our snowshoes. Soon, the trail merged through the groomed trails, and the cross-country skiers became more irate. Finally, we departed the groomed trails and continued a trail north to our shelter. Later, a cross-country skier arrived and very oddly advised us to leave. Warned. We decided to heed his warning and returned south to our vehicle. We crossed much less of the cross-country trails, but the skiers we encountered were equally hostile. After arriving at our vehicle, we contacted the state park ranger. He moved our reservation to the Zillmer Shelter, away from this area. We parked at the Zillmer Trail Area and snowshoed to the shelter. It was a pleasant, peaceful site. The next morning, we hiked out and returned to Chicago.