We hiked this section on July 5, 2014.
We met SIMS and her husband around 9:15 and had an uneventful shuttle to the access point for Sages Ravine. The weather was great today – the sun was shining, the temperature was cool and there was a breeze which kept the bugs away.
We started hiking at 10 am.
The connector trail was wet but it was a gradual downhill. We passed an AMC shelter that required reservations – it was a great location next to a stream.
We quickly reached the AT after 22 minutes and turned right to head south. We were excited to climb Bear Mountain. The trail was very rocky and water was coming down the trail – kind of like a waterfall. The trail reminded us of parts of New Hampshire.
The summit of Bear Mountain has great views!
Summit of Bear Mountain
We took a nice long break in the shade. It felt so good not having to outrun the bugs today.
Somehow SIMS snagged her neck on a protruding tree branch. Oh gee if she keeps getting hurt, her husband won’t let her hike with us anymore.
The trail after the summit also had several other outlooks with great views. Some thru-hikers were drying their gear and it was really rank.
We reached the Riga junction and saw several folks coming up a connector trail.
We had a fun water crossing at Brassie Brook. Due to our short legs, we did NOT want to rock hop but SIMS figured out a way across the brooks.
Brassie Brook
We had a leisurely lunch after that. Python slipped and fell sideways while trying to avoid he mud. Fortunately, her calf only got dirty.
We met 3 ladies from CT completing a section who met the Dames in GA. We told them we could help with shuttle near Penmar. Their names were Toe Knee and Nice Lady. Their friend, who was hiking with her dog Cheyenne, still had not earned a trail name. Cheyenne is also a service dog!
Cheyenne
Fortunately, The climb up to Lion’s head was short.
We had great views!
We took another long break in the shade. This would be a great place to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
The descent into Salisbury was long but gradual. We encountered several thru-hikers and day hikers. We met several nice dogs with short legs – corgi and Scottish terriers.
When we reached Salisbury, SIMS bought us ice cream to celebrate finishing Connecticut.
After saying goodbye to SIMS and her husband Bill, we decided to check out the trail crossings further up in Massachusetts. Of course we had to stop at the Barrington Brewery for dinner!
The next day SIMS finished her final section in Connecticut! Now we owe her an ice cream!
