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Presenting The Dirtbag Diaries: Winter Vacation

Emily Ford and Diggins resting in the sun on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. (credit: Emily Ford)
Emily Ford and Diggins resting in the sun on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. (credit: Emily Ford)

In 2021, Emily Ford goes on a winter vacation. She doesn’t go to some warm beach location, though. She sets out to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail.

Over the course of their two and a half month trek, Emily and her borrowed sled dog, Diggins, test their endurance and find solitude, friendship, and beauty.

This episode comes from The Dirtbag Diaries podcast. Listen wherever you find podcasts.

Credits for ‘Winter Vacation’ from The Dirtbag Diaries:
Producer: Ashlee Langholz
Editor: Becca Cahall
Audio Editor: Cordelia Zars
Music: “If Walls Could Talk” by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto, “Jaco 2” by Bradley Carter, “Early Winter” by Bradley Carter, “Bev’s Tower” by Bradley Carter, “550” by John Berry, “Auroras” by John Berry, “Behind Your Window” by Kai Engel, “Delivered” by Brendan O’Connell and “Borough” by Blue Dot Sessions.

Emily Ford and Diggins (dog) thru-hiking the 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin in winter 2021. The coldest temps during the day hit -35F. She would often have to bundle in a balaclava, merino wool hat, ski goggles and buff. (credit: Emily Ford)
Emily Ford and Diggins (dog) thru-hiking the 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin in winter 2021. The coldest temps during the day hit -35F. She would often have to bundle in a balaclava, merino wool hat, ski goggles and buff. (credit: Emily Ford)

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Dan Wanschura is the Host and Executive Producer of Points North.