All Work and No Play? Week of 2-15 to 2-21

Maybe yes, maybe no...the weather looks good, I feel good, work is crazy as we're finishing one job and starting another in Meriden.  The upside?  Possibly more trail time on the Hanging Hills of Meriden, part of the traprock ridge of hills in CT, and perhaps some of the most dramatic views from above and below in our state.  There's also trails all over them, some right on the cliffs' edge, which is is awesome for people who aren't afraid of heights!  More info. below:

Hanging Hills: A Short History

Monday - 0

Tuesday - 0

Wednesday - 0

Thursday - 3 Miles - Castle Craig climb from Hubbard Park.  Big, icy, muddy climb, with fantastic views and not a soul around.  As it was late afternoon, I opted for the no nonsense, straight up and down trip.  3 miles and 700' of gain.

Friday - 5 Miles - Giuffrida Park.  I wanted to hit both peaks at the park, and was able to, in spite of icy trails in places.  First up, Lamentation Mountain, where on the ascent I realized my GPS was not doing shit.  Got my backup going, got to the top, and descended back to the lake, ran around and ascended Chauncey Peak.  Great views, and chatted with several people who were out hiking with their dogs.

Saturday - 0

Sunday - 10 Miles - Long/Ell Pond Sufferfest.  I decided to make up for my mileage deficiency for the week with a punishing tour of this stretch of trail.  Anyone who knows this particular place, knows whereof I speak.  It's tehnical, hilly, and sketchy unrelenting singletrack for the first mile from North road...I enlisted my good friend Jim for the first out/back from North Road to Ashville Pond and back.  He was all set after that, so I focused on "time on feet," getting to 10 miles, and 2k elevation gain by repeating the out/back, and hitting the tougher sections again for the gain.  Got it.  Paid for it.  Ouch.  Puts me at 3700' of gain for the week...