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In Connecticut – The Trek

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In Connecticut – The Trek


As I write this post, I am lying in my tent just outside of Kent CT, waiting out an overnight rainstorm. The last couple of hiking days in NY were relatively easier than earlier in the state so I was able to get in some relatively high mileage days (for me ) in the range of 17-19 miles. In my last post, I forgot to recount an important event from my time in NY, so I’ll start there.

Shout-Out to Mary Karb and Family

Mary Karb is a college friend of my wife Michele. Months ago when Mary heard of my plans for hiking the AT, she let Michele know that her home was close to the trail and that she was willing to assist me when I was in the area. I followed up with her and we made arrangements for her to pick me up on a Friday off of an exit on the Palisades Parkway. Meanwhile on the day before the planned pickup, Luna and I got caught in a nasty early morning thunderstorm—-thunder, lightening, high winds, and heavy downpours. I tried to erect a makeshift shelter with my tent fly, which helped, but we both were getting pretty wet. Luna was curled up on my lap shivering. I made a call to Mary asking if she could pick me up at a different location and a day early. She said give me 20 minutes and I’ll come get you. What a relief. And Mary and her family members, husband Billy, two children, and son in-law could not have been more gracious hosts. While there, I was able to take care of the 4 big thru hiker needs, laundry, hot shower, phone charging, and food consumption. A nice warm bed and a good nights rest just added to the visit. We ate takeout Italian food at night and Mary even made me a bag of Gorp for my hike. Thank you so much Mary and family, true trail angels. Luna even got along well with Mary’s daughter’s dog Lilly shown below.

Visit from Michele

I had one more hiking intervention while in NY. Michele my wife drove down on May 27 to pickup Luna. We stayed in a beautiful inn (Curry Estate) just off the trail in Hopewell Junction. Unfortunately, Michele arrived exhausted from a trip to Phoenix and then there was a widespread power outage due to a storm. The inn had no backup power source. We opted to stay there anyway. Once power returned, we looked for a nearby restaurant where we could celebrate our upcoming 20th anniversary. Given that it was a Monday and with the power outage, we kept striking out. In the end, we drove to Fishkill and ate at the Red Line Diner. Not exactly a romantic candle lit dinner, but we had a good meal. The next morning Michele dropped me back on the trail and drove away with Luna in tow.

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Connecticut

At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police

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At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police


At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.

The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.

Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities. 

An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.

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Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.

The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.



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Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend

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Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend


CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.

In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.

Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.

For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.

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Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.

As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.

For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.

Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.

Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.

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CT, US offshore wind projects face second federal pause

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CT, US offshore wind projects face second federal pause


The federal government is again pausing offshore wind projects in Connecticut and along the East Coast. The Trump administration is citing national security risks the Defense Department found in classified reports. It is the second time the administration attempted to halt offshore wind developments, although the first attempt was blocked after a federal judge ruled the government’s actions were illegal. Connor Yakaitis, deputy director of the…



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