Got a week day off from work, so I figured I'd knock out another section of trail. One of my buddies & my dog joined me. Lucky for me, my wife was ok with picking us up on one end, rather than having to loop back (hate that!)

Started off right where I ended, the parking lot of Penwood State Park. Cross the road in Talcott Mtn State Park right after 9am & started heading up! Warmer than last time, which is never fat-man-friendly. The way up was a good way to get started, I was sucking wind, but it's nice to get it out if the way.

1.7 miles in, we got to the Heublein Tower. It opened at 10, so we had a bit of time to kill. Wandering around the grounds, this is a pretty cool spot. Nice views, lots of picnic benches & such... Looking forward to bringing my wife & daughter up here! The tower opened & we went in to look around.. The 360° view is impressive from the top! Nice looking back at the ridgeline I've already done, and the ones I have left. Lots of history inside the different rooms, I'll be back to read up on it all!

Heading down, we got to Hartford Reservoir #6 and made quick work of the flat dirt road. The most people we saw were along this stretch, 4 total lol. Took another quick break at the southern end. It was the first time my dog has done over 6 miles & I was trying to be safe & give him lots of water. Crossing over Albany Ave., we got to enjoy walking along a dike (at least that what it appeared to be). Flat, grassy, sunny... Who could complain?! Once we turned off of that, we headed up into what looks to be a popular mountain biking spot. Lots of "jumps" & such right off the trail. Usually it would bother me, but it seemed pretty condensed to that one area... Guess it's better than being spread out everywhere?

We decided to shoot for Kilkenny Rock for lunch, hoping it had a nice view. Did some walking down an old paved access road, man do I hate paved roads! Shin splints withing a hundred yards! We did get to walk under 3 owls dining on a squirrel, so that was neat. We got to Kilkenny Rock, only to find no views. I imagine when the leaves are down, you might get a good look though!

Had lunch here, took a long enough break to take shoes & socks off for a bit. I believe it was around 2, so we only had 3 miles to make by 5 (when my wife would be able to get us)... No rushing needed! Even with taking 4l of water, seemed liked we were getting low (friend only brought 1l). I was hesitant to collect any water while on the water company's land, but we found a small stream & were able to get enough for the rest of the day. From here on out, it was apparent that this section of the trail doesn't get much use... Think I am enjoying the itches of poison ivy as I type this! Lots of walking right behind/next to people's houses here. One even put up a large electric fence! The last stretch took us down a paved road with lots of nice houses. Before you know it, we were back on Farmington Ave, laying in the shade of the commuter lot!

Just under 13 miles, of easy walking. My buddy, who's just getting into hiking, commented how we got to experience almost every type of terrain CT has to offer. He suffered from some chaffing & sore feet, but was otherwise happy. My dog did well, started slowing after mile 11, but carried 2L of water in his pack & was overjoyed the entire time. Overall, a good time. And I've now completed almost half of the CT NET section!