Cornwall Bridge, CT (USA)

Up earlier today and only had a short drive to reach the trailhead on River Road (0745). It was actually the same starting place as Friday but I headed SOBO instead (after I'd hiked the approach trail). Like last evening, this section was almost completely flat and followed the Housatonic. The river was faster and rockier, with lots of feeder creeks that crossed the trail. There were warnings of "metals in the water" but I saw a young couple filling their reservoirs anyway... Near the creeks, I encountered a lot of mud but still kept up a good pace overall. Temps were good (50s/60s). Saw lots of different kinds of birds: some in trees right nearby and one sitting on a lonely rock in the river. Ground squirrels were everywhere and I had to be careful not to trip in their many holes, some right in the middle of the trail. The highlight of the day, though, was seeing a large coyote - he'd been watering by the river and bolted up the hill when he saw me. As I reached the trailheads on the River Road section near Kent, I began to encounter trail runners and bird watchers. I turned around right where the AT started up the hill towards St. John's Ledges - was feeling tired and sore and decided to save that climb for later... My backtrack hike was completely different: MANY day hikers had come out (in large "packs") and I had to keep stopping to let them pass. Did see one group I'd passed yesterday - got that funny look again ("how'd you get here?"). Finished at 1115, after just over 9.5 miles, and quickly departed for home. This area of the AT is pretty hard to get to/from without a lot of back roads but I'll need to return if I want to finish this thing! Got a gas fillup and lunch at McDonalds in Montague, NJ (1315).  Used I-84, I-81, I-83, US-15, I-270 and I-495 to get home.  AT Today = 4.70 miles / G.T. AT = 937.06 miles