By Anita Weier
Friends of Lakeview Library

Local author Melanie Radzicki McManus will speak about her book “Thousand-Miler: Adventures Hiking the Ice Age Trail” at the annual meeting of the Friends of Lakeview Library Feb. 8.

McManus, an award-winning travel writer, will tell colorful tales about her hike along the trail that stretches from the Mississippi River boundary of Wisconsin to Door County on Lake Michigan, following the U-shaped line where the last glacier stopped and retreated 12,000 years ago.

In 2013 at the age of 52, McManus set a women’s record for hiking the trail in 36 days, and later broke that record with a 34-day trek in 2015. The Ice Age Trail totals 1,100 miles — a number not as catchy in a title for the book, which was published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

While talking about her journey — and the people she met along the way — McManus will explain the history of the still-developing Ice Age Trail, one of just 11 National Scenic Trails. She will also give helpful insights and strategies for undertaking a successful hike.

The event at Lakeview Library will take place Thursday, Feb. 8, starting at 6 pm with refreshments and social time, followed by a brief business meeting at 6:30, followed by the speaker.

All residents are welcome to attend, though only members of the Friends of Lakeview Library can vote during the meeting. The Friends organization supports the library by volunteer efforts, as well as raising funds for library programs, books and subscriptions.