Kent, CT (USA)

Weather was forecasted to be awesome so only worked a half day. Left NoVA by 1130 and used I-495, I-695, I-83, I-81, I-84, Taconic Parkway, NY-82, Dutchess County route 21, crossed into CT at Bulls Bridge and then took US-7 north. Made gas stop at Sheetz in Harrisburg (PA) at 1330 and filled up again when I reached Kent (CT) at 1720. Found the AT trailhead northwest of Kent (CT-341) and headed NOBO by 1730. I immediately encountered a trio of day hikers during a steep climb - they were the last people I saw all evening. What a difference a month makes: no Thru hikers at all! Temps were awesome too: probably no more than 75 initially and then down to mid 60s by the end. The section was a series of little hills (probably +/- 500 feet elevation change throughout) on a ridge above the Housatonic. I saw a LOT of white tailed deer during my hike and heard a few birds but it was pretty quiet, actually. Got some great views from Calebs Peak and St. John’s Ledges - the sun went behind hills in NY as I reached the turnaround point. Just then, it got interesting... The descent from the Ledges to River Road was downright treacherous. I’d been making good time but slowed to a tentative walk in the gloaming. I’d researched the map for alternatives before I lost cell signal and determined I could get back to my car by walking on River Road until it reached Kent. With almost no daylight left when I finished the downhill rock scramble, that’s what I decided to do. The gravel road was almost flat and very straight and it eventually merged with a nicer paved road. A bright moon came up and reflected off the river, lighting up everything - I never needed my headlamp after all! However, I eventually needed to dodge cars in town and walking west on CT-341. Overall, the choice of backtrack was a good one: I was able to finish nearly 10 miles by around 2100. With limited lodging in the area (and everything that is available being very pricy), I headed deeper into Connecticut. Decided to stay at the Hitching Post Motel in Cornwall Bridge (2155), despite the VERY high cost. Relaxed in the evening with TV and my book. Planning to work more near the Massachusetts border tomorrow and Sunday. AT Today = 4.70 miles / Grand Total AT = 1164.82 miles