Unsatisfied with ending the connection from Skyline to Minnechoag yesterday in the middle of Nowheresville, I returned today to tie it up (I was hopeful anyhow).  There was a new 4" of snow along the trails in the higher elevations, which would cause some slow going.

I decided to start at the small parking area for Goat Rock at the end of Country Club Drive near Gerrish Park.  Over Goat Rock and the Hampden Overlook to Hampden Memorial Park.  Took the road down to the VFW, where there is a bridge crossing the Scantic River which leads to the trail network around Minnechoag Mountain.

Climbed the Algonquin Trail to the top of Minnechoag, continued south down the ridge to connect with yesterday's endpoint in Nowherevilles.  Headed back and took Bob's Trail back toward the VFW, jumping two beautiful deer on the way.

Ended with 6.5-miles of slow-going running due to the ice, 4" of snow, and climbs.  I think the temperature stayed around 20-degrees more or less.  An Outstanding day!

View from Goat Rock

Balanced Rock coming down from the Hampden Overlook

View west from Minnechoag Mountain

Bent Tree at top of Minnechoag

View east along Gas Pipeline south of Minnechoag Peak

Landmark Tree, growing along ground (I recall this "wonder" from 20-years ago)

Landmark Tree

Perched Boulders just east of Landmark Tree

Landmark Tree with setting sun

Landmark Tree

Bent Tree Limb with Old Coach Trail sign

 Stone Chair opposite Garrish Park