Mohawk State Forest, Housatonic State Forest

Excerpts from pages 295

Another long day, arriving at Kent, CT late this evening and I go directly to Sheri and Wayne′s home. They say they were not sure what day I would arrive but were expecting me anytime.

There is much sharing with Sheri and Wayne both last night and this morning, but soon bid them a fond farewell with good wishes and then leave for the Kennebec. It only takes one ride to get to Cornwall Bridge where I go into the post office to pick up my supplies and mail. My last stop on the AT this year is at Caratunk, Maine and I provide this as my forwarding address.

The Appalachian Trall is upon us and so get out the saddlebag pack to strap on Babe as she will carry her food, her leash, her plate, my toilet paper and all of our trash. Her pack weight will never be more than ten pounds, and will decrease as she eats her chow consisting of mostly dry food and a few moist packets serving as treats. Each time we stop to resupply, like today, she receives a large can of the dog food that she loves and gets to eat it while the new supplies are beign stuffed into our packs.

After tossing my coins we begin, first on hard surface, next on gravel, then on grass-covered roads and finally on the footway. After a kilo along the way, we come upon a cascading waterfall where we take a short rest and here Babe tanks up!

Excerpts and photo from pages 222-225

Finally, my feet are walking on the path in New England, which makes it five notches left for me to complete teh fourteen.

Upon arriving in Kent, walk through town on US highway 7 to locate the First Congregation Church where there is a hostel for hikers. There are five here to stay the night, Geatan and four thru hikers, Greg, Mike, Todd and myself.

Up at seven and ready for a day hike, Last night, Sheri offered to drive up to Cornwall Bridge and we are all outside the hostel waiting when she arrives. Mike and myself will day walk back to Kent while Todd will walk north form Cornwall Bridge. At eight this morning we arrive in Cornwall Bridge and Sheri drops us off right in front of the post office. Proceed inside to receive my beach food box, tea box and six letter and deposit my outgoing.

Say goodbye to Todd as he walks north and then head south out of town with Mike. We begin the walk upon the AT mostly on old river roads lined with stone walls. These roads provide great views of the Husatonic River. Upon arriving at Mountain Brook lean-to we take a short break for gorp and energy drink.

After the stop, we enter a beautiful section of the path through a young pine foresft where Mike asks me to take a picture of him. We then continue on the path up a steep ascent to St. John Ledges but once on top, the path levels off and provides good views east and south across the Housatonic Valley.