Well, if yesterday was the “downhill day”, today was the uphill day. The uphill out of Granby on 219 seemed to go on forever. Just when you think you reached the top, you go around a curve and see that the uphill continues. Ugh.
Once again, we started early in the morning, because once again, we were trying to beat the rain coming around 2:00 PM (beginning to sound repetitive).
After finally reaching the top of the monster hill, we descended to the Saville Dam over the Barkhamsted Reservoir. It was a magnificent structure, and provided a nice stop to rest our legs. After crossing into Pleasant Valley, we began another long uphill climb following the Farmington River, and then the Sandy Brook, upstream. Saw several fisherman, braving the cold temperatures to stand in the river fishing as we passed through Riverton, Robertsville and Colebrook. The grade was easier to pedal, but it continued for over 10 miles.
Took a break in Robertsville at the General Store. Indulged in Diet Cokes and chocolate chip cookies just for the opportunity to come in and warm up for a few minutes. The temperatures continue to be unseasonably cold. Took a little walk in “Riverton Center” and stumbled upon the historic location of the factory for the “famous” Hitchcock chairs. Since neither of us know anything about antiques, we had to look up the history of Lambert Hitchcock and his chairs.
Took another break in Colebrook to eat a quick meal at the Colebrook General Store, which we were told to be the oldest continuously operating general store in Connecticut. We were a novelty there, as everyone else coming in and out knew each other. It was clearly the social center of the small town, complete with an old fellow having coffee outside (in 38 degree temperature) talking to everyone coming and going. After eating and charging our phones, we headed into our destination for the day, Norfolk, CT.
As luck would have it, my college roommate Shirley heard of our travels on Facebook, and realized we were passing within two blocks from her house. She and her husband Van, both from Clarkson University, kindly invited us in for a night of comfortable beds, delicious chili, homemade brew, laundry, and wonderful warm conversation. We had a great time, and were grateful to be spoiled so thoroughly after several cold days and nights. Mark and Van share a joint interest in sailing, and we made a commitment to get together this summer to sail together. As for me, I plan to spend more time with Shirley learning about her passion for quilting.
Wow, I thought I knew CT well, but you are showing me parts of it I’ve never been to! Guess that’s what happens when you get off the highway – would love to try that with our camper when my husband retires & we have more time to travel. Despite the bad weather, it sounds like a wonderful trip!
Sue
I always thought CT was backed-up highways until now. It’s beautiful out here.