Cornwall Bridge, CT (USA)

Spent much of the 90 degree day on the road, repositioning from the boardwalks of Atlantic City to a remote area (no cell signal) along the NY-CT border. Gas fillup in Absecon, NJ (0955).  Used some unconventional roads, including a ride through the area near the Princeton campus.  Ate lunch at McDonald's in Fishkill, NY (1350) and drove north from there.  Stopped at a motel in the AWOL AT Guide Book (Hitching Post) in Cornwall Bridge, CT (1430) and got ready for my hike.  Even though there have been towns on the east side of the Housatonic River for around 300 years, the trail is on the west side - with limited crossings - making my section hiking strategy more difficult. I waited to go to the trailhead (River Road in Sharon, near Cornwall Bridge) until 1945. By then the sun was behind distant ridges in New York. To reach the AT, I had to follow an approach trail for about a quarter mile. From there, I proceeded NOBO and climbed a rocky hill in the twilight, enjoying the steadily dropping temperatures. Encountered two groups of Boy Scouts who were headed for the campsite for the night. Beyond that point, I was treated to a second sunset and strong breeze on the ridge. My descent down to CT-4 was tough - I could barely see the trail, there were slippery leaves and treacherous rocks everywhere. Decided to use the roads to get back to my car - that was much easier. Lots of lightning bugs tonight and several great stargazing opportunities. Riverside living for some folks in the area looks pretty good... Reached the end of my hike by 2130 (after around four miles). More tomorrow! AT Today = 1.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 924.26 miles