AT: Kent to North Kent

Small Steps over Ancient Lava Flows

The eruptions and upheavals that created the Appalachian ranges are evidenced in this section of the trail's fabulous rock formations. Rocks that look like what the Hawaiians call the pahoehoe and the impressive St. Johns Ledges tell a story that is over a billion years old.  Not surprisingly, the town of Kent is known for its iron ore production and farming. 

It is Mother's Day. My hope is that everyone has planned their brunch, and will leave the trail alone.  Spring is definitely in the air, laden with pollen, but the shades of green are bewitching as we drive on Route 341, along Schaghticoke Road that we stumbled through in the darkness last time.  We pick up the AT across Route 341, where there is ample parking for 8 cars. Today's plan is an easy 5.7 miles. We cross the cow pasture to begin the climb to Numeral Rock at 850 feet.  

Tulsi, the Bear Cub

We meet a southbound section hiker from Pennsylvania.  She mistakes Tulsi for a black bear cub as she was told of a large black bear fishing in the Housatonic River by North Kent.  I did not put the orange reflective vest on Tulsi that I had in my backpack.  Instead, when I heard or saw humans, I called out hi so they don't mistake her for a black bear cub. 

Tulsi is a trail leader and always makes certain that her entire party is safe. She must have walked the equivalent of 12 miles today, back and forth, checking that we were all together!  Plenty of creeks, along with the more substantial Macedonia Creek and Choggam Brook that feed into the Housatonic River below, keep her cool and happy.

Astounding Views

Today's section of the AT is a giant roller coaster, with constant ascends and descends, which afford us stunning views of the Housatonic River valley, and the village of Kent below. 

Caleb's Peak at 1160 feet gives us a large expanse of bedrock to rest and enjoy Flanders Mountain across the way at 1385 feet.

Wild flowers - columbines and cinquefoils - dance in the bright sunshine, the clear blue skies, and cool wind. 

Climbers' Paradise: St. Johns Ledges

After taking in the wonderful views and picking our way along the ridge, we arrive at the Ledges, named for Timothy St. Johns, the property owner in the 1800s.  It is a steep rock staircase, created by the Appalachian Mountain Club volunteers and trail crew.  The steps were made for us to traverse the impressive rock formation, with ENORMOUS rocks that would not be fun if they decide to move.  I did not count the steps, but the trail guide says 90 steps were put in.  We basically descend 1000 feet along a sheer rock face that lead us to River Road along the Housatonic.  At the bottom, we meet members of the Yale camping club as they reviewed strategies for climbing it with their 30-lbs backpacks.  You got this!  They also got some Tulsi-love.

We walk along the river for another mile where civilization was close at hand.  The AT stays on this gravel road along the river for another 4 miles.  Plenty more cars had arrived by midday, and hikers and families of walkers were along the gravel path that lead to Kent Falls State Park.  We see a garter snake mourning its beloved on the trail (one had been run over - vehicles were motoring along the gravel route), lots of bear scat (probably from the same chap that was fishing in the river that morning), and more creeks that empty into the Housie.  Rajani meets us at North Kent Road parking to take us to lunch.  I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day!

From the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address to the Natural World

(my students read the address in its entirety at Thanksgiving)

We are thankful to our Mother the Earth, for she gives us everything that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her.  It gives us joy that she still continues to care for us, just as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send thanksgiving, love, and respect.   Now our minds are one.