Northwestern Connecticut

We arrived in this state on Friday, after a very scenic drive through  Pennsylvania, NewYork, and into Connecticut.  Our route took us through the Delaware and Hudson River valleys, as well as forested mountainous areas.  Our goal for the Labor Day week-end was to spend it with our niece Anna and her girls, who reside in Danbury Ct.  However, it turned out that they were not going to be around for the week-end, which then left John and I with time to explore Connecticut.  On Saturday we pretty much covered the northwestern part of the state.  The AAA Tourbook makes the comment that in Connecticut "you'll  run out of acreage before you deplete your options for fun" (CT only surpasses Rhode Island and Delaware in size).  We found that to be very true as we drove on scenic by-ways, passing through many small quaint towns with large Colonial homes.  Rural New England is as picturesque as its small towns.  Many farms had produce stands or markets along the roadsides.  This is a great time of the year here to purchase local raspberries, peaches, corn, apples and tomatoes.  We  also passed by many small lakes and ponds,as well as forested areas of a couple of state parks.  We crossed the Housatonic River quite a few times and also did a little hiking on the Appalachian Trail at various points where it follows that river.  One such area can found at Kent Falls State Park.  The falls here are considered to be one of the most spectacular falls in all of New England.  When we first saw them we wondered what was so impressive about them, until we climbed to its top.  It tumbles down 250 feet in a series of falls over rocky ledges.  It does not cascade down in a straight line, so each section of falls seems to have its own unique beauty.  Pictured below is below is one section of them, it would be impossible for one photo to show the whole falls.

In northwestern Connecticut are two covered bridges over which automobiles may travel.  The West Cornwall, built in 1841, spans the Housatonic River.  It marks the boundary of  the town of Sharon and West Cornwall.  The citizens of West Cornwall worked hard to prevent this bridge from being phased out.

As usual, our day would not be complete without hiking up at least one mountain!  We treked up Haystack Mountain where we were able to see the Berkshires and other New York mountain peaks.  We took the photo, pictured below, from a 34 foot stone observation tower located at the top of the mountain.