Steele's Crossing, Bolton to Bailey Road, Andover Leg

 

Brrrr, wintry temperatures and a cold, biting wind were the order of the day here in Connecticut.  Nothing to do for that but to get out walking!!  I'm going to miss these days of sweatshirts and hats once the hot, humid, buggy weather arrives. Today we picked up on the Hop River Trail portion of the East Coast Greenway right where we left off on Saturday, at the Steele's Crossing parking area in Bolton, with our sights on Bailey Road, Andover, 1.2 miles to the east.

Above, it didn't take long to cross over into Coventry, where we enjoyed walking between the rugged cliff walls of the railway cutline, below.

Above, I'd be interested in finding out the story of this cross,  made of railway steel.  (There were actually two fairly close to each other.)  Perhaps railway workers who died during construction?  Or later on the job?  Seems unlikely it's anything too modern, given that there are no indications as to what they represent.

Below, as we crossed over into Andover, we noticed the vegetation becoming increasingly green.  I'm not sure of the elevation here, but I know we've been walking steadily (slightly) dowhill for the past 3 or so miles.

Above, the end point of today's walk (and the start point of tomorrow's, if all goes according to plan!) at the trail's intersection with Bailey Road.

Below, we discovered this painted rock near our car when we returned to the Steeles Crossing lot after reversing our course. 😀

Over 17 miles walked!  Under 2983 miles to go. :-)