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Blaze: A Journey of Solitude, Connection, and Discovery on the Ice Age Trail
At 59, Jeff Romenesko wasn’t a seasoned hiker, but in 2023, he set out to complete the thousand-mile Ice Age Trail. What began as a solo adventure—part challenge, part healing—quickly became something more.
In Blaze, Jeff shares stories from the trail with humor, vivid detail, and heartfelt reflection, drawing readers into Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. He discovers the trail offers more than just miles—it provides connection. To the land, to fellow hikers, and most of all, to the enduring spirit of his late daughter, Katie.
With each step, answers emerge to questions sparked by his unrelenting curiosity—discoveries that linger long after the final mile. Though not intended as a pilgrimage, the trek becomes a personal journey of resilience, loss, and the invisible threads that guide us forward.
So lace up your boots—there’s even a soundtrack to carry you along.
To explore more—including maps and over 170 photos tied to each chapter—visit the book’s companion site at blazeiceagetrail.com.
In Blaze, Jeff shares stories from the trail with humor, vivid detail, and heartfelt reflection, drawing readers into Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. He discovers the trail offers more than just miles—it provides connection. To the land, to fellow hikers, and most of all, to the enduring spirit of his late daughter, Katie.
With each step, answers emerge to questions sparked by his unrelenting curiosity—discoveries that linger long after the final mile. Though not intended as a pilgrimage, the trek becomes a personal journey of resilience, loss, and the invisible threads that guide us forward.
So lace up your boots—there’s even a soundtrack to carry you along.
To explore more—including maps and over 170 photos tied to each chapter—visit the book’s companion site at blazeiceagetrail.com.
156 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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June 5, 2025Jeff Romenesko ’86
Author
From the author:
At 59, Jeff Romenesko wasn’t a seasoned hiker, but in 2023, he set out to complete the thousand-mile Ice Age Trail. What began as a solo adventure — part challenge, part healing — quickly became something more.
In Blaze, Jeff shares stories from the trail with humor, vivid detail, and heartfelt reflection, drawing readers into Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. He discovers the trail offers more than just miles — it provides connection. To the land, to fellow hikers, and most of all, to the enduring spirit of his late daughter, Katie.
With each step, answers emerge to questions sparked by his unrelenting curiosity — discoveries that linger long after the final mile. Though not intended as a pilgrimage, the trek becomes a personal journey of resilience, loss, and the invisible threads that guide us forward.
So lace up your boots — there’s even a soundtrack to carry you along.
Author
From the author:
At 59, Jeff Romenesko wasn’t a seasoned hiker, but in 2023, he set out to complete the thousand-mile Ice Age Trail. What began as a solo adventure — part challenge, part healing — quickly became something more.
In Blaze, Jeff shares stories from the trail with humor, vivid detail, and heartfelt reflection, drawing readers into Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes. He discovers the trail offers more than just miles — it provides connection. To the land, to fellow hikers, and most of all, to the enduring spirit of his late daughter, Katie.
With each step, answers emerge to questions sparked by his unrelenting curiosity — discoveries that linger long after the final mile. Though not intended as a pilgrimage, the trek becomes a personal journey of resilience, loss, and the invisible threads that guide us forward.
So lace up your boots — there’s even a soundtrack to carry you along.
Read
June 27, 2025This is a book full of lyrical prose. You walk with Jeff Romenesko as he traverses the Ice Age Trail. You experience climbing on all fours because of exhaustion. Jeff engages your thoughts and emotions every step of the way as he meets challenges that are physical and metaphysical, logical and emotional. As a a reader you applaud the fact that you he let his daughter's spirit maintain her presence in his life. Katherine, Jeff's daughter, carried him to a higher range of connections. By being open to understanding what was happening on both levels, by traversing the Ice Age Trail as a way of plumbing his feelings, he communicates more to the reader than a determination to conquer a physical pathway: the reader walks with him and leaps into that other level with him.
June 4, 2025
This book is a captivating blend of adventure, heartfelt emotion, love, and vulnerability.
It doesn’t just tell a great story, it inspires action. Through its themes of perseverance, love, and commitment to achievement, it reminded me how powerful the human mind, body and spirit can be. I found myself reflecting on my own limits and feeling newly motivated to push beyond them. It's rare to find a book that’s both deeply entertaining and profoundly uplifting. If you're looking for a story that energizes your mind and stirs your heart, this is the one. A truly unforgettable read.
It doesn’t just tell a great story, it inspires action. Through its themes of perseverance, love, and commitment to achievement, it reminded me how powerful the human mind, body and spirit can be. I found myself reflecting on my own limits and feeling newly motivated to push beyond them. It's rare to find a book that’s both deeply entertaining and profoundly uplifting. If you're looking for a story that energizes your mind and stirs your heart, this is the one. A truly unforgettable read.
September 3, 2025
This book was really impressive! I have no illusion of joining the 1000-Miler Club, but his interesting descriptions of the different segments makes me want to keep exploring other areas of the trail. I'm a big Ice Age Trail supporter and this book should attract even more support for this great organization.
June 2, 2025
Wonderful book about hiking, the Ice Age trail, and healing. Jeff's story telling is very engaging and makes you feel like you are experiencing the hike with him. Plus Jeff's willingness to share his daughter Katie with the reader is very moving. The website is also a great supplement to the book so makes the entire package a great experience. I would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews