This week, Deb and I met Rob in Norwich a little earlier than we usually do because we knew that the sun was going to be hot, and we wanted to enjoy our hike as much as possible during the coolest part of the day. Sofee wasn't able to make it this week, but she provided us with ice lattes when we finally got back, so we forgive her.
We as a group have been trying to complete one, and eventually, all of the hiking trails in the Quinnipiac, Metacomet, and Mattabesett Trail systems. Hiking enthusiasts who have completed either one of these trails from start to finish can apply for a commemorative patch from the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. The Connecticut Walk Book states that patches are awarded to hikers who provide the "name of the trail and the dates you hiked it, giving separate dates for each section finished." If your interested in more information, please visit the CFPA website for more details at www.ctwoodlands.org or call 860-346-2372.
The beginning of our hike was extremely steep, and rocky. We immediately began a 4 to 5 hundred foot accent, and we all felt the strain struggling to reach the top. Rob was actually cheering Deb and I on saying, "Your almost there guys!" After our final exhausting step at the top, we rested a bit, catching our breath, and then snapped a few pictures.
It was a very warm morning, but most of our hike was under tree cover, so that thankfully kept us from over-heating. We had brought plenty of water and therefore were for the most part, fairly comfortable. Rob kept the pace up most of the way, and we all challenged our high heart-rates while straining to keep oxygen in our lungs.
The trail that was chosen this week was just remapped and there were new blue dots replacing the blacked-out ones that meant to be erased. And there isn't a map out yet that shows the new trails yet, so I am not going to try to describe what trails we hiked. Maybe Deb or Rob will help me with this later.
See everyone next week,
Joe
