Cornwall Bridge, CT (USA)

Started later than I wanted because I hoped to get food at the only market in Cornwall Bridge (hours were wacky, so gave up & settled for gas station sandwiches). At 0815, I headed to the nearby trailhead on CT-4 and was hiking (NOBO) a few minutes later. Like yesterday, had to ford (literally) several swollen streams with no bridges - there’s been much more water here than in Virginia... Temps were pleasant (high 60s) but kept climbing. Passed connecting trails (Mohawk, Pine Knob Loop) but stayed on track. After about an hour, I encountered a huge group of lady hikers who were loudly chanting what I understood to be sorority pledges in a campground along the trail. Continued on through a series of roller coaster hills, filled with seemingly pointless switchbacks - CT is a lot like NY in that way. Was surprised to pass four pairs of SOBO hikers (mix of Thru, Flip Flop and LASHers) but none of them were chatty. Only saw a few views from the ridge - all work today! Encountered a local man who told me that he actually owned the land where I was (“a scenic easement”) and had come to check out the boundary with his friend. Got some local intel (on how to avoid the backtrack) and continued until I got to West Cornwall Road. Planned to climb up to the Shelter from there but a couple (Mark and Irene) had just dropped off their son and his friends for a section hike and they offered me a ride back to my car - I gladly took it! We drove through the covered bridge in West Cornwall on the way and was back in town by 1100. Immediately drove back to where they’d picked me up (so I could finish the section). Ended up talking (for more than 30 minutes) with a NOBO Thru hiking couple (“Pricepoint” and “Honey Bear”) - they will barely make Katahdin before the middle of October but they seemed to be enjoying each other more than the rush to finish. A huge tree fell - right on the trail! - while we were talking and I decided to head up the steep hill to the north before something else happened. It was a little more than a mile to the Pine Swamp Brook Shelter, my turnaround point, and I made good time out and back (no gear, just water). Passed my Thru hiker friends before finishing the section at 1245 (hiked around eight miles). Back to town to rest up for more hiking later! After a few hours relaxing, I stopped at the Cornwall Country Market (1640) to pick up some dinner/breakfast and energy drinks. I then drove north on US-7 to Falls Village so I could hike another section. Continued west until I reached the Iron Mountain Bridge (Housatonic River Road). The last time I had hiked near this bridge (2015), it was “condemned” (closed for structural issues). A completely new bridge (built in 2016) had replaced it. After talking to a local fisherman for a short time, I hiked NOBO (1715). It was still warm (~75 degrees) but I was in the shade for most of the hike. Passed a pretty waterfall and saw lots of people enjoying the water in a pool below. Passed a few day hikers early on but didn’t see anyone else on the trail during my outbound leg. Almost the entire hike was uphill but I felt strong and made good time. Treated to a great view (east) from the top of Mount Prospect. Turned around at the Limestone Spring Shelter and immediately headed back towards town. Saw several deer (they didn’t seem afraid), a heron and a toad. Also almost stepped on a snake. Ran into "Honey Bear" and "Pricepoint" again - they were hurrying to reach the ridgeline so they could set up camp before dark. I reached my car at 1945 after six miles - felt great! Pleased to have completed almost nine new miles of AT in one day. I’ll do a bit more hiking to the north in the morning - wish I didn’t have to go home... AT Today = 8.90 miles / G.T. AT = 1173.72 miles