Kent, CT (USA)

Got out of NoVA before 0600, trying to outpace the rain... Used my normal route (I-495, I-95, I-695, I-83, I-81, I-84) to get to the Hudson River and the Taconic Parkway, with stops for gas in Cockeysville, MD (0710) and Montgomery, NY (1105). Was treated to views of bald eagles striking prey near the highway (two different places!) in Pennsylvania. Used NY-84, Dutchess County Road 21, NY-55 and US-7 to get to the hiking zone. It was much nicer weather after I crossed the NY-CT border and that validated my drive to the north. Continued on to Kent to finish my last AT section in southern Connecticut. At the trailhead (CT-341) by 1215 - the parking lot was packed! I encountered a lady hiker who was waiting for her Flip Flopper friend but headed out immediately (because I’d see them during my backtrack), SOBO. It was brisk but I wore a t-shirt all day (so glad it isn't hot anymore!). This section turned out to be one of the most mentally and physically challenging one I’ve done in a long time. For one thing, there were lots of rocks - probably more than I’ve seen since hiking in eastern PA. Add the mud and wet leaves (it had rained a lot), along with several swollen creeks (and no bridges all day), and the day required a LOT of concentration. Then there were three peaks/ridges to climb... Whew! Still, I feel like I met the challenge well - felt strong and energized - and ended up logging more than 12 miles (including back track and detours) of climbing and balancing. The section crossed the NY/CT border several times, so I got to see great views of the Housatonic River and Harlem Valley all day. Saw several deer and about 15 hikers of various kinds (day, section, LASHer, etc.) - met: Michael from NH and his dog (doing the same exact hike as me, two hours ahead), Flip Flopper Micah (who only had 15 miles of AT left to complete his Thru Hike) and Joe from West Point (getting re-started on AT after knee replacement). Turned around at the viewpoint on Schaghticoke Mountain. Was on the trail for over six hours and it actually started to get dark before I reached my car (1830). Because I'd made no plans, I had to make several phone calls to find place to stay. Ended up at the Dutchess Motor Lodge in Wingdale, NY (1900), a place I'd stayed a few times before. This time, I met hotel owners and their friends (that helped when I was locked out of my room. Ate dinner (pizza) at Cousins Cafe in Wingdale (2030). Exchanged a lot of phone calls with Mollie (she said she'd been worried about where I was). Relaxed in the room before going to bed. Felt very exhausted and numb - probably a good thing, though because my brain needed a wipe/wash... Hoping to find some trail stamina in the morning before I have to go home! AT Today = 5.60 miles / Grand Total AT = 1207.82 miles