Woman Who Hiked 1,200 Miles In Dead Of Winter Reveals The Brutal Choice She Had To Make

Emily Ford was no stranger to nature, but even she felt intimidated by a Wisconsin trail, which stretched over 1,200 miles. It was a tremendous undertaking, one that would push Ford to the limit and mostly isolate her from human contact. At any point, a dip in the wintry temperature or a sudden overnight snowfall could have been a good enough excuse for Ford to quit. She pushed on — until a difficult decision left her at a major crossroads.

Tough Terrain

In knee-deep snow and freezing temperatures, Emily Ford tossed over the idea again. Should she finally give up? The hike seemed never-ending, with each day bringing the same harsh, winter conditions. Maybe only a few days had passed, or maybe nearly thirty since she first started. Ford quieted all the turbulent thoughts rolling around in her head. She knew she couldn't stop, not yet.

Another Kind of Strength

Ford embarked on a nearly 1,200-mile-long trek that would bring her from the shores of Lake Michigan to the border of Minnesota. Found in Wisconsin, the Ice Age National Scenic Hiking Trail was never for the faint of heart. For Emily Ford, she was as prepared as she could be.

Historic Listing

Ford had grown up with a love for nature, so much so that she devoted her career to it. Emily was the head gardener of the Glensheen Historic Estate in Minnesota, which covered a whopping 22 acres. With her green thumb, she knew all about the changing of the seasons — and how she was undertaking her Ice Age journey at the most difficult time possible.

Different Seasons

Summer hikers on the trail had a rather pleasant experience. With the sun and the warmth, many people made an enjoyable summer trip out of it. During winter, on the other hand, certain hazards were unavoidable. There was the daily accumulation of snow, accompanied by below-freezing temperatures. But as the name suggested, the Ice Age Trail had a unique place in history, and Emily Ford wanted a place in it.