Bulls Bridge, CT (USA)

Bought a submarine sandwich and washed mud off my hands at Bulls Bridge Country Market (CT) at 1510.  After finishing my lunch, I parked at the trailhead on Schaghticoke Road (1530) and headed SOBO. The trail took me along the shore of the Housatonic River (some amazing views). I encountered more people here than I'd seen all week, including two Boy Scout troops camped in a huge field at the intersection of Ten Mile River. But no one else was climbing the mountain. It took all the remaining gas I had in the tank to get to the summit, but I was glad to make it there. The last time I got the view, it was after I climbed through thigh deep snow drifts - this was much better! I encountered a lone hiker at the view point - he looked like he was contemplating life and I almost didn't want to bother him. But he and I struck up a good conversation that lasted the rest of the way back down the hill. His name was Brian (a bit older than me) and he was section hiking as he found the time. He had vacationed on Cape Cod when he was young and now visits the Adirondacks for his vacations. We reached my car, after another five miles of hiking, at 1745. When he told me he planned to hike all the way back to CT-55, I offered him a ride. It probably took 15 minutes by car and he was grateful. My trail angel karma is fully recharged (I may even have a credit)... Totaled more than 16 miles overall at two locations in two states today - tired but feeling strong and ready for more! AT Today = 2.30 miles / G.T. AT = 918.36 miles