Despite it looking like rain, and the call for rain around noon or so, I drove out to Canaan/Cornwall to continue exploring Connecticut's Mohawk Trail.

This was the old Appalachian Trail until sometime in the 1980's I believe.  At that point, the trail was moved to the west of the Housatonic River, and the old path became the Mohawk Trail.

Today, I would park along Music Mountain Road and ramble slightly easterly toward last Saturday's stopping point at Yelping Hill Road, and return.

The section was very nice, with a small waterfall at the trail entry (Reed Brook, which is the water source that runs through Dean's Ravine as well).  The trail climbed along a high-ridge of Music Mountain, and passed through or over several large, impressive stonewalls to my turn-a-round point of Yelping Hill Road, at 3.1-miles.

There were a few spots that were confusing, due to blazes being non-existent, faded, or doubled up in two opposing directions.  At some point this section of trail had some re-locations itself, which appears to be great choices (once I placed the track on the map and compared to the old route), but the old blazes and paths still exist, which was confusing during the actual run through.

I returned to my parking spot at round 6.2-miles, and while the sky looked more grey, I figured I'd give going west a try as well.  Headed right down into Deans Ravine, which is awesome.  I did not take photographs of the ravine, as it was getting dark and it being a ravine and all, I questioned how the shots would look.

Came back out on the road, jogged west a bit and then jumped back onto single-track north to skirt around Barrack Mountain.  Over the high-point, and began my descent, and the sky opened up on me.  Turned at a trail-junction on a severe downhill, and went back to the car with a total of 9.1-miles (I ran the final road section rather than the Deans Ravine section on trail).

Looks like one more visit to tie this entire trail up, more or less.  I hope to have a brighter day so I can capture a few photographs of Deans Ravine, and find the northern terminus at the AT Junction.

Shelter along the Mohawk Trail

Reed Brook, Waterfall prior to Dean's Ravine

Reed Brook, Waterfall prior to Dean's Ravine

Old Appalachian Trail Marker on the Mohawk Trail

Looking off Barrack Mountain westward

Centennial Tree in Cornwall

Centennial Tree in Cornwall

Centennial Tree in Cornwall

Centennial Tree in Cornwall

Centennial Tree in Cornwall

On this day in 1999, I completed my 20th marathon at Pisgah.  Time was 5:47:30, and I am fairly certain this was a 50km event.  I missed a turn somewhere around 10-miles, and had to backtrack a bunch.

Drove to Adams with DL to visit the folks  after work, stopped off to visit my aunt for a bit as well.  To break up the ride home, we had a wonderful stop at the Williamsburg Snack Bar for dinner.

Also, on this day in 2005, I completed my 29th marathon at Mt Washington State Forest, with the Riga Plateau, Appalachian Trail, and South Taconic Trail thrown in for good measure.  I had Tippi and Wuzzam along for the day, which set a record for high temperature unfortunately for us.  This was Tippi's 5th completed marathon.

Our time was 5:10:41, which shows we were really running pretty hard.  The lack of water on the trail was a real concern for me, with Tippi.  Luckily, the stream at the bottom of Bear had plenty, and from there on we were set.

Wuzzam looked absolutely beat climbing and coming down off Bear.  He needed the stream to cool off in as much as Tips did.

Black Lizard / Vintage Crime #23 for 2019...  "Dearly Devoted Dexter", Jeff Lindsay's 2005 novel which is the second in the Dexter Series.

Black Lizard / Vintage Crime Edition Cover

Hit the Metacomet from Phelps Road south for 3.4-miles on a humid late afternoon.

Relaxing night out for dinner with our friend RunSteveo, who we havem't seen in a little while.

Additionally...  On this day in 2007, Tippi and I finished the Notchview Marathon.  We ran from Notchview Reservation in Windsor, Massachusetts into Dubuque State Forest in Hawley, then to Savoy Mountain State Forest in Savoy.  I remember that we got crushed by a heavy rainstorm for the last 3-miles.

This was my 35th completed marathon, and Tippi's 11th.  All in all, I recall not being in fantastic shape but the year was winding down, and the run was incredibly enjoyable.  I also recall missing a turn shortly after Windsor Jambs, continuing on the dirt road for a bit.

Looking at the map, we passed Windsor Pond, Crooked Neck Pond, and Hallockville Pond along the journey.  

Meadow at Notchview 

Tippi on the Jambs Trail.

Windsor Jambs.

Alert, as always.

Jambs, with Tippi on the ledge, upper right,

Route.

 

Music 2019...

Effort #40,  "Bang a Gong", by Zion John from 2018.

Visit to see my folks on another outstanding day for weather in New England.  Stopped off at Notchview Reservation for 6.3-miles of jogging on the ride home.

Looking south from the meadow

Judges Hill Foundation

Back to exploring the Mohawk Trail in Connecticut, this time with Wuzzam present as well.  

Last venture out, I ended at Lake Road, so that would be our starting point today, with an idea to run out to Yelping Hill Road, a distance of 4-miles one-way.

It was a really beautiful morning, clear skies, no humidity, and about 64-degrees at the 9:00 a.m. start.

The run was rolling, with no real long climbs or descents, with about 7 - 7.5 of the 8.2 total miles good footed running.  The other bit was either very rocky trail, a section that had been clear cut and had begun to grow up with briars and a loss of trail, and encroachment by beaver activity at a pond three-quarters of a mile or so from Yelping Hill.

Excellent run with numerous stonewalls to wonder at.  Very nice brook running fairly strong despite it being late in the year and many small tributaries dried up.  Additionally, a small branch of the previously mentioned brook went by a dark, hemlock forested area that I felt a spiritual awareness present.  It was obviously a very special spot, as Wuzzam felt it as well.

Early sign along the Trail

Wonderful flowing brook

Wuzzam at Brook, with large stonewall on the rise behind

Pond, with active beaver

Stonewall stairs

More stonewall

Wuzzam at another step in a stonewall crossing

Additional stonewall, the area is full of examples

Another stonewall

Mr Wuzzam displaying the height of the stonework

Signage on the way back 

Signage with trail present

Also, from the way-back machine...

Two old marathons completed on this day, the first in 2008 and the second in 2014.  

In 2008, Curly's Marathon was held in Pittsfield State Forest, and it was a beautiful day to run.  I recall wearing old shoes rather than a new pair I had just purchased, and it was a bad decision.  The pain in my feet and lower legs was incredible for the last 6 or 8 miles, and I was lucky to finish in 5:54:36.  This was my 38th completed marathon.  My dad ran the Half-Marathon option as well.

In 2014, Wuzzam and I conquered Dunbar-Whitcomb-Jambs in 6:21:34.  This expanded from an old run the Bandit and I did, from Whitcomb Summit to Windsor Jambs.  This time, we began at Dunbar Brook in Monroe State Forest, and ventured out a new snowmobile trail to the windmills to Whitcomb Summit, over Crum Hill, over Flat Rock Hill and the old Viewing Platform for the Hoosac Tunnel, crossed the Cold River on an obscure grown in path, past Savoy Mountain State Forest at North Pond, past Bog Pond, over Lewis Hill and Borden Mountain, through Windsor Bush into Windsor State Forest and the Jambs.  Outstanding day with outstanding sunny weather.  This was my 52nd completed marathon. 

Unfortunate Windmill site.

The Elk Monument at Whitcomb Summitt.

Viewing Platform for the Hoosac Tunnel construction.

View from Flat Rock Hill with Greylock in view.

 

Crossing of the Cold River.

Stone Carving on rock, obscure path.

Bog Pond.

The Dunham Lot, off Tannery Road.

We are getting close!

The Jambs!

Dwarf Forest and the softest ground-cover imaginable.

Cleansing Spirits Session with Jon Evil / Dark Heart Duo.

3-mile run along Main Street just before dark.

Here are my accomplishments for August 2019.

August 2019 High Points:

• West Suffield Mountain, Metacomet Trail, West Suffield, CT
• Copper / Peak Mountain, Metacomet Trail, East Granby, CT
• Hatchet Hill, Metacomet Trail, East Granby, CT
• Laurel Hill, Metacomet Trail, Tarrifville, CT
• The Pinnacle, Metacomet Trail, Bloomfield, CT
• Stony Hill, McLean Refuge, Simsbury, CT
• Red Mountain, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Overlook Mountain, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Bunker Hill, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Mohawk Mountain, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Pine Mountain, Tunxis Trail, Barkhamsted, CT
• Indian Council Caves, Tunxis Trail, Barkhamsted, CT
• Coltsfoot Mountain, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Dark Entry Forest Road Climb, Mohawk Trail, Cornwall, CT
• Jug End, Appalachian Trail, Egremont, MA
• Mt Bushnell, Appalachian Trail, Egremont, MA
• Mount Undine, Appalachian Trail, Egremont, MA
• Mt Everett, Appalachian Trail, Egremont, MA
• Nick's Hill, Metacomet Ridge, West Suffield, CT

Music 2019...

Effort #39,  "Summer Solstice Outro", the final piece from the Dark Heart Duo's "Summer Solstice Session" of June 21, 2019.

Additionally, I rode back and forth to work on the bicycle today as well for 11.0-miles.

A visit to old-faithful, the Metacomet Trail from Phelps Road north to the Old Oak/Stonewall crossing and back;  total of 3.5-miles.

Recovery day from the Marathon yesterday.  Did some running around with DL, managed a nice relaxing hike in McLean together for 1.2-miles, and had lunch at Rancho Viejo.

As for the recovery, I am in really good shape.  No issues climbing or going down stairs, getting in and out of the car, etc.  The walk in McLean was fine as well.  I am very pleased that I didn't totally destroy myself during the 7-hrs on the trail yesterday.

As a complete surprise and bonus, I stumbled upon a Cumberland Farms in Granby, where I could pick up a delicious ice-coffee for .99.  As the clerk told me as I began filling the cup.... "... best in the area!"

Metacomet Trail Marathon - August 31st, 2019
West Suffield, East Granby, Bloomfield & Simsbury, CT

Today would be the day I would try my first Marathon distance run since 2014.  I am not as fit as I would have liked, as I am carrying 15 or so extra pounds.  I haven't really done any racing in many years, so running hard hasn't happened either.  It has been a struggle health-wise at times, with constant issues related to the bouts with Lyme Disease, as well as the entire repair from the brain tumor surgery.  Basically, I have grown tired of trying to get into "perfect" shape to attempt this distance, as it's dawned on me that "perfect" shape may never materialize.  So, today is the day to suffer if need be.

The original route was the Granville State Forest to Satan's Kingdom using Granville, MDC Forest Roads, and the Tunxis Trail that I had worked out through exploration and mapping during the past few years.  But, that would need two vehicles or a shuttle, and Wuzzam wasn't recovered from the McLean distance last Saturday.  While DL offered to shuttle, I decided to run the Metacomet Marathon that Wuzzam completed with me in 2012.

This would be the fourth Metacomet Marathon I would attempt.  Earlier versions were:

April - 2006, with Tippi.  From Sunrise Park all the way through Penwood completely, and back.  This is actually much further than 26-miles, more in the 28 or 29-mile range.

August - 2008, with Tippi.  From Phelps Road in Suffield, north to Robinson State Park and back for the first 16-miles, and then from Phelps south to Route 20 and back for 10-miles more.

June - 2012, with Wuzzam, and Tippi for the first 10-miles.  This would be the same route as today's scheduled route.  Park at Route 20 in East Granby, run north to Phelps in West Suffield and back for the first 10-miles, and then head 7-miles south into Penwood to do a 2 to 2.5-mile loop before heading back to Route 20 for the last 7-miles, with a grand total of right at 26+.

I got an early enough start, after my one aid-stash at miles 14.5 & 22.  8:50 a.m. I was running along on my way.  Completed the first 10-miles averaging 4.3 mph on the hilly, rocky trail.  All in all, I felt pretty good at that point.

The Hatchet Hill section into Tariffville and the Farmington River became a bit tougher, and by the time I was climbing up toward the Bartlett Chimney around 15-miles, I was feeling a little worn.  Recovery was achieved, and as I approached the Penwood section I was shuffling along pretty well again.

The Metacomet once in Penwood, through to the Pinnacle, is harsh.  Mostly climbing on rocks, with a few lengths of trail to actually run well.  I run this section often enough, and I am able to run it, but that is due to starting at this point, not beginning it at 17-miles.  Today, this section was taken at a fast hiking pace rather than truly running form.

Once on the bottom of the Pinnacle, I feel as though I really charged through the lower section of Penwood back to Wintonbury Road.  My time dipped to an average of 4.1-mph through 22-miles.

The two final legs, from the Farmington River and over Hatchet Hill, was extremely difficult.  For this final 4-miles, I ended up dipping to a 3.9-mph average for the day.  I was still able to jog reasonably well on the more level sections, but the uphills were pushing my heart-rate to a place I wasn't comfortable.

To finish was awesome.  I wasn't sure I had the mental determination to tackle the suffering that a marathon in the woods presents.  I proved to myself that toughness isn't an issue at this point.  My legs were in great shape, I did not have any trouble on the later downhills, even the steep ones.  I am very satisfied with my overall conditioning regarding leg strength.  Even the late uphills, it was more the cardio than the leg muscles.  Limited long trail racing over the past 5-years reared it's head today.

Final thought is I am very satisfied.  In perspective, during the 2012 version on the same route, I had a final total time of 7:01:00.  Today, I ended up at 6:56:00 total, 6:41:00 moving time.  I believe the 2012 run was a much hotter day, as my memory tells me that.  I also think the "stopped" time would have been greater for the older run, but I don't have any data proving that.  So, all in all, a real good run that I can build on.

This was my 55th completed marathon lifetime.

Mile One and Nine, Peak/Copper Mountain

Mile Five, Phelps - Suffield Land Conservancy Property

Mile Eleven, enormous Oak

Mile Thirteen and a half, overlook at T-Ville

Mile Fourteen & Twenty-Two, Farmington River

Mile Fourteen & Twenty-Two, Farmington River

Mile Sixteen & Twenty, Ledge after Bartlett Chimney

Mile Eighteen+ at base of rock stairs to Pinnacle