AT 8: Connecticut… Connecting the Footsteps

As always, a compilation video and photos of the state follow this update!

Connecticut

In terms of miles, Connecticut, comprising 51 miles, barely makes an appearance on the 2189.8 mile Appalachian Trail. Only Maryland, 40 miles, and West Virginia, 4 miles, are shorter. These states are nothing in comparison to states like Maine, 282 miles, and Virginia, 554 miles. Though, despite Connecticut’s lack of trail miles the state had more to offer than you might think. Steep ascents up rocky hillsides, rolling wooded hills, grassy pastures, a 5 mile flat section walking alongside a river, and much more. Not to mention the best trail magic we’ve experienced was in non other than Connecticut!

Firstly, during a lovely conversation with the owner of Labonne’s in Salisbury he asked what we missed most on trail. The obvious answer to me was my Xbox One. Gosh I miss that stupid thing, but Danya aka Loins of Arabia said a home cooked meal. Which is definitely a true statement. It’s something we have gone without for 7+ months and so dearly miss. After answering the question he offered to pay for our meals! It wasn’t a true home cooked meal, but the fresh self serve country style buffet was close enough! Pork tenderloin, chicken marsala, seasoned rice, roasted veggies, and fresh mac n cheese! It was beyond amazing! Secondly, a lovely couple in Kent offered a place to sleep and prepared a wonderful dinner for us as well as our two trail friends Flapjack & Mello aka “the honeymooners.” Probably the greatest kindness anyone has bestowed upon us next to Dave in Maine who took us to McDonald’s, Walmart, and invited us to stay at his bear hunting cabin. Connecticut has been fantastic.

Goodbye Fall… Hello New York

As we leave Connecticut and begin to tackle New York we are also beginning to leave fall behind. The trees are starting to become barren and the leaves left not so pretty. As fall begins to end and the cold moves in, we begin the final leg of our journey. As of today, 572 miles lie between us and the finish line. In a few short days less than 500. As the year closes out we shall also close out the greatest journey of our lives…. thus far