Today was chilly to start. And beautiful. Better yet, the first 20+ miles was on one of the paved canal trails--first the Farmington Heritage Canal Trail and then the Newhaven and Northampton Canal Line trail. Mostly shady, mostly flat, and widely used. Walkers, cyclists, families, cyclists, runners. Very nice. There is history to these trails; however, I don't ever seem to take the time to investigate it. A tremendous oversight on my part. These trails are well marked, and they have facilities--restrooms and bicycle maintenance stations. Hats off to the designers and caretakers. They have made this part of the East Coast Greenway memorable.
Here is a picture of one of the trail head markers and of one of the historical markers describing the tolls expected on the canal.
Between New Haven and West Haven, one has the opportunity to enjoy the water view out towards Long Island Sound. Back up towards New Haven is the more industrial side of the waterway. A nice place to take a break.
Today the roads and trails were marked better than I have seen on the trip thus far. It made going through New Haven relatively easy. There had been some super high tides a little farther along, and some streets were flooded. I was able to ride through the water in a couple of places, but one required a slight detour of a few blocks.
For the length of the ride, it was much less taxing than some 15 mile shorter rides. Lack of hills, and a pleasant low 70s high.
Shout out to Tabea Wilson and family for hosting our traveling show this evening and maybe tomorrow. So generous. Absolutely delightful.
49.43 miles / 514.55
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