Day 102: A Hike Through Connecticut
Today marks the 102nd day of my journey, and I find myself in the beautiful state of Connecticut. It's been a much-needed day of rest after consecutive days of hiking over 25 miles. I woke up late, around 7 am, and hit the trail even later, around 8:30 am. The first few miles were relatively easy, but soon enough, I had to get water, which only got me 0.5 miles by 9 am.
Entering Connecticut
As I crossed the border into Connecticut, I felt a sense of excitement, marking my 10th state on the trail. My new shoes, while comfortable, caused some initial discomfort due to the break-in period, but I was determined to take it easy. The plan for the day was to hike just 20 miles and return to Kent, CT.
A Refreshing Break
Around 4 miles in, I reached a river, and there I met Shooter, who was soaking his feet. I joined him for a 15-minute break, enjoying the refreshing river water. We then hiked along the river for a mile, taking in the peaceful surroundings. A short detour led us to a covered bridge, a delightful surprise off the main trail.
The Challenge of the Climb
Back on the trail, we faced a steep climb of 700 feet in less than a mile. It was a challenging ascent, and I lost my balance, falling into some brush. Thankfully, it was just a minor setback. Once we reached the top, I took in the view of the surrounding countryside while chatting with some day hikers. The next few miles were relatively flat, with minor ups and downs.
The Final Miles and Kent
The last few miles into Kent were a mix of steep climbs and descents. I trudged through them slowly, taking my time. I even spotted a snake along the way. Once in Kent, we headed to a convenience store for cold drinks and then to Cozzy's, a local restaurant known for its burgers and pizza.
A Delicious Meal and Resupply
Cozzy's did not disappoint! I indulged in a 14-inch pizza with bacon, cheddar, and ranch, along with some garlic knots. It was a delicious meal, and we even brought our bags inside to charge our electronics. After dinner, we resupplied with food for the next couple of days and headed back to the trail, aiming to reach the Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter before dark.
A Peaceful Evening Hike
The hike back to the shelter was well-paced, and we even hiked along the Housatonic River, enjoying the stunning evening backdrop. It was a perfect end to a challenging but rewarding day.
Day 102 Stats
- 20.3 miles hiked
- 4,429 feet of ascent, 4,731 feet of descent
- Wiley Shelter to Stewart Hollow Brook Shelter
- 10 days since last using the stove
- 24 snakes spotted on the trail
- 14 whole pizzas consumed (a new personal record!)
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