Traveled to Tunxis to complete the section I started on Sunday; this time I'd work south to north, from Route 219 to Pine Mountain Road, and back again.
The day was clear, mild (low '80's), with pretty much no humidity at all. Deer flies were missing in action with one exception... the crossing at Roaring Brook was bad, and the suckers followed me for a good half-mile. On the way back, I avoided the brook crossing and took the broken bridge, which was actually a big help with reducing the amount of biters attached to me.
This is a really great trail that I've enjoyed for over 25 years. Unfortunately, timber harvest are pretty much a normal occurrence in Tunxis, and this season is no exception. The worst reduction of woods is taking place on Pine Mountain, on the northwest side. The trail is still obvious, but the infringement from the skid is pretty close, and that is a shame. Buffers shouldn't be that hard to place and follow.
Despite the loss of big trees in the forest, it was still a great run. I'd count the following sites as high points through this section...
- Top of the Indian Council Cave area.
- Bottom of the Indian Council Cave area.
- Old Cellar Holes.
- Multiple Stonewalls.
- Roberts Brook.
- Pine Mountain.
- The pool on the west side of Pine Mountain, along the road, where Liddy, Tippi and Sam refreshed so often.
Today's Route
Approaching the top of Indian Council Cave
On top of Indian Council Cave, looking northeast
Boulders on the bottom of Indian Council Cave
One of the cellar holes
Another cellar hole with the swamp behind it
Another view of the foundation and swamp
View northeast from the top of Pine Mountain
The Ten-Mile section from Route 20 to Route 219
