Training Log Archive: Fanatic

Enroute to Mystic, Colette and I took a break and went for a hike in Cockaponset State Forest in Haddam, Connecticut. This is the second largest forest in the state and the trails were well-marked. We followed the Wildwood Trail south for two and a half miles before turning around and following the blue-blazed trail primarily back to the car.

This was perfect break, with very nice trails to enjoy, along with the sunshine and blue skies with fluffly clouds.

I volunteered to help clear some brush on one of the Keystone Arch Bridges in Chester. There was a group of eight volunteers, armed with loppers and saws. We basically cut down all the brush on top of Arch #70, after hiking in from Middlefield Road.

Met some interesting folks, including a couple of new hiking partners.

Meandering tour of the Bard College campus and surrounding area. I tried to find as much soft surface as possible, but had to do some road sections nonetheless.

Walk with Colette out to the black cows and back. Lovely day with the temps in the low 50s F.

Another walk with Colette, but on the condo grounds this time. The roads were almost flooded in some locations thanks to the quickly melting snow.

Drove to Reservoir Road, where I had hoped to hike on the bike trails, but the snow was too deep, so I hiked up the road and went past the reservoir to the top of the ridgeline. Reservoir Road is paved there and heads down into West Stockbridge.

I turned around at that point, took a right down to the pump house and then back to Reservoir Road. Climbed up to where Dunbar Road intersects Reservoir Road and took a left, where I did about three-quarters of a mile out and back. Then just down Reservoir Road to my car.

Met a couple of dog walkers, one with a very entthusiastic Blue Nose Pitbull that could really fly; thankfully she just wanted to play.

Walk on the condo grounds, a bit icy in spots.

Another session of loops on the condo grounds, as well as retrieving the mail.

Walk with Colette on Fred Snow Road in Becket. This is a long dirt road that is very well maintained in the winter, so the footing, while muddy, is fairly stable and an enjoyable alternative to pavement.

We did an out-and-back, fully enjoying the 44°F warmth and sunshine.

Colette's flight on Sunday was cancelled, too, so she is not flying to Europe at all.