George Steffanos

Author of Then the Hail Came, a book about my 1983 Appalachian Trail thru-hike, available on Amazon in paperback and eBook. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6

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Last Notes

2024-09-30 14:05:17

🧵1/6
September 30, 1983, 41 years ago today: There was no third consecutive night hike yesterday, but I did not miss it by much. At 6:20, the Appalachian Trail passed a small peninsula thrust into an enormous expanse of water. Along the eastern edge, a string of about a dozen aging wooden cabins slumbered beneath giant pines of even greater antiquity along a gravel shore.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Maine #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/226/878/200/538/031/original/b23fbbc80b9c4327.jpg

2024-09-29 14:42:17

🧵1/6
September 29, 1983, 41 years ago today: A relatively-level ridge walk led to Mountain View Pond. Across the small, crystal-clear lake, Boardman Mountain’s slopes were aflame with fall colors.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #maine #mountains #nature #forest #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/221/361/242/164/441/original/cd7e1bdf0f9c3e15.jpg

2024-09-26 16:13:53

🧵1/3
September 26, 1983, 41 years ago today: I passed two more attractive ponds as I traversed those ridges for five-and-a-half miles, but toward the end I was growing weary of all the climbs and descents. I was relieved when the Appalachian Trail came out at Little Wilson Falls, which were rather spectacular.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Maine #nature #mountains #forest #adventure #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/204/737/336/315/512/original/f315bada9fee91e6.jpg

2024-09-25 23:16:17

A forest of trees growing tall and straight, Northville-Placid Trail, Adirondack Preserve, New York. September 11, 2024, 10:38 AM.
#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #NewYork #September #forest #trails
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/200/735/812/549/560/original/6aa926c59de495db.jpg

2024-09-14 12:54:20

🧵1/9
September 13, 1983, 41 years ago: After Page Pond, the AT scaled steeply up to Wocket Ledge, where open rock faces just off the trail provided the best southward views I had yet seen in the Mahoosucs.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #nature #NewHampshire #mountains #forest #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/136/001/766/126/810/original/94baf0ff19d23369.jpg

2024-09-14 00:49:36

🧵1/6
September 12, 1983, 41 years ago: There was some steep, rocky scrambling down into the col between Mount Hayes and Cascade Mountain. Cascade was a visual feast.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewHampshire #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/133/149/315/845/926/original/f35114f569819dd5.jpg

2024-09-05 01:51:00

Soft pastels sky sunset, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. June 9, 2021, 8:26 PM.
#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #summer #forest #sunset #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/082/437/110/147/641/original/9312304267222227.jpg

2024-08-26 15:49:30

Evening on the trail, Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. August 23, 2024, 7:04 PM.
#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #summer #forest #trails #mountains #summertime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/029/111/045/522/234/original/63c1d8a23bff94ee.jpg

2024-08-15 13:50:13

🧵 1/9
August 15, 1983, 41 years ago today: As I entered Sages Ravine, I crossed the Massachusetts border. Ten states down and four to go.
#backpacking #landscapephotography #hiking #hikingadventures #Massachusetts #forest #mountains #nature #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/966/354/625/002/894/original/a3173f8fc19eb78b.jpg

2024-08-15 00:17:52

The throbbing excitement that is Waterbury, Connecticut around midnight on a Monday. South Main Street and Mill Street. July 31, 2023, 11:31 PM.
#photography #landscapephotography #city #night #Connecticut #nighttime #street
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/963/162/129/661/197/original/7f30367369238770.jpg

2024-08-01 12:42:13

🧵 1/5
August 1, 1983, 41 years ago today: Took a few days off at home.
From June 3, 1983: Of all the mountains I have seen on this hike, Hump is now my favorite.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #mountains #Tennessee #forest #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/886/812/818/880/265/original/0cd82e8fbb86a6c4.jpg

2024-07-29 16:00:53

October wetlands, New Britain Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. October 19, 2019, 2:38 PM.
#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #autumn #forest #autumnvibes #trails #lake
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/870/611/238/106/776/original/0eba56d36cef4e6c.jpg

2024-07-26 16:42:11

North Fork of the Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah. April 1984.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #nature #Utah #nationalparks #Zion #Southwest #rivers #mountains
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/853/786/417/404/370/original/2f7fb8ca1511d63d.jpg

2024-07-22 23:13:20

Sunset from Whitestone Cliffs, Plymouth, Connecticut. October 3, 2020, 6:14 PM.
#hiking #photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #autumn #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #mountains
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/832/675/473/832/241/original/504adf99d46b8a05.jpg

2024-07-15 17:12:58

Metallic Lace Sunrise, footbridge over Route 8, Waterbury, Connecticut. December 3, 2021, 7:21 AM.
#photography #outdoors #landscapephotography #Connecticut #city #urban #sunrise #sunrises #sunrisephotography
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/791/621/794/747/240/original/72a932f2e278eb71.jpg

2024-07-14 16:04:21

Water tanks and windmill, Atiu, Cook Islands, South Pacific. May 1990.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #tropics #travel #SouthPacific #Pacific #PacificIslands
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/785/687/763/225/175/original/caaafd98f8c04ff8.jpg

2024-06-27 15:30:45

Looking west from Mount Higby cliff walk, Mattabesett Trail, Middlefield, Connecticut, June 3, 2024, 1:25 PM.
#hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #spring #forest #mountains #trails #cliffs #springtime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/689/297/462/290/284/original/fbd33c2dbfd58fda.jpg

2024-06-10 12:32:19

🧵 1/9
June 10, 1983, 41 years ago today: I spent the day today wandering a high green country of forest and rocky pastures encompassing Mount Rogers and its surroundings.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #mountains #Virginia #nature #forest #outdoors #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/592/334/247/890/709/original/484ee23d4a53e9e8.jpg

2024-06-03 14:20:20

🧵 1/6
June 3, 1983, 41 years ago today: The climb up Hump was a bear, but views from every inch of the trail lightened the load.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #mountains #Tennessee #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/553/102/875/299/358/original/85e3e2bbc0365d40.jpg

2024-06-03 12:51:47

🧵 1/6
June 3, 1983, 41 years ago today: I slept the sleep of the dead last night, so exhausted I did not wake even for a moment until 6:30 in the morning.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #mountains #Tennessee #forest #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/552/772/853/073/371/original/6a2053a1acee61aa.jpg

2024-06-02 13:53:51

🧵 1/6
June 2, 1983, 41 years ago today: Beyond Carvers Gap, the trees rapidly began to thin out along the ridge crest. Near the top of Round Bald stood a small cluster of red pines.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #nature #Tennessee #NorthCarolina #mountains #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/547/357/696/848/528/original/f92443432460b15d.jpg

2024-06-02 12:29:26

🧵 1/6
June 2, 1983, 41 years ago today: The trail was rough. The mile from the shelter to the cliffs on Little Rock Knob was straight uphill.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #mountains #Tennessee #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/547/026/280/233/169/original/82ffcf20226f082d.jpg

2024-05-29 13:11:14

🧵 1/6
May 29, 1983, 41 years ago today: I began hiking exactly at 11:00 beneath a heavy overcast, but no rain. My first three miles were the climb up Big Bald.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #Tennessee #mountains #nationalparks #nature #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/524/540/667/593/893/original/69bf05f71956f1f4.jpg

2024-05-17 13:58:21

🧵 1/5
May 17, 1983, 41 years ago today: By the time Dave and I trod the concrete footway across the long dam, it was 1:15.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #outdoors #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/456/780/174/485/566/original/946c5e68dc49380b.jpg

2024-05-09 14:02:57

🧵 1/4
May 9, 1983, 41 years ago today: Dave and I had lunch in Bly Gap, just across the state line into North Carolina. One state down and eleven to go.
#backpacking #hiking #nature #NorthCarolina #hikingadventures #landscapephotography #mountains #forest #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/411/484/397/623/820/original/d076f099ce171252.jpg

2024-04-19 00:14:57

🧵1/4
Then The Hail Came News
You can read or listen to my book for free if you are a Kindle Unlimited (eBook) or an Audible Plus (audiobook) subscriber. More about my audiobook just below. Both of these options are available from Amazon, where the paperback, eBook or audiobook can also be purchased.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/294/990/099/206/329/original/a5b1ea9daf860af8.jpg

2024-04-16 13:44:16

🧵 1/5
September 3, 1983: The spruce gradually diminished in height as I ascended the narrow ridge crest.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewHampshire #nature #mountains #forest #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/281/162/770/738/872/original/fe413f1b080c9266.jpg

2024-04-04 13:21:47

🧵 1/6
September 25, 1983: I became briefly lost while returning down the side trail from Moxie Bald to the AT.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Maine #nature #mountains #forest #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/213/136/003/245/162/original/59ead943858c6e02.jpg

2024-03-28 14:40:12

🧵 1/6
June 2, 1983: The trail was rough. The mile from the shelter to the cliffs on Little Rock Knob was straight uphill.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #mountains #Tennessee #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/173/809/345/129/220/original/9de6bbbac0f0acc8.jpg

2024-03-22 13:03:36

🧵 1/3
May 26, 1983: After Lovers Leap was some easy woodland hiking before the Appalachian Trail followed a gravel road for a short stretch through some massive, very scenic meadows in a place called Mill Ridge. Years ago, those meadows used to be tobacco fields. I was enjoying the day.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #Tennessee #mountains #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/139/463/301/995/807/original/9d2773a7a176bdcf.jpg

2024-03-20 14:42:03

🧵 1/4
May 24, 1983: The old mansion sports a fine, two-tiered veranda running the length of the house. I spent a good part of the night relaxing on the upstairs portion near our room, gazing out over the town. After the early 1900’s, warm mineral baths lost their popularity and Hot Springs drifted into the quiet backwaters of time.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #mountains #forest #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/128/528/828/061/618/original/f5ae981e309efd78.jpg

2024-03-19 15:30:51

🧵 1/6
June 2, 1983: Beyond Carvers Gap, the trees rapidly began to thin out along the ridge crest. Near the top of Round Bald stood a small cluster of red pines.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #nature #Tennessee #NorthCarolina #mountains #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/123/043/869/145/013/original/a681312acf0abeef.jpg

2024-03-18 14:03:34

🧵 1/3
May 21, 1983: I did not start hiking until 10:00. I was waiting for a break in the weather in order to get a good look at the famous stretch of narrow trail which clings precariously to the cliffs on Charlies Bunion. It was about a half-mile from the shelter. Although the sky never did actually clear, the rain did stop, and the clouds lifted a bit off the ridge.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #nationalparks #Tennessee #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/117/043/071/521/585/original/876a1db01d0d7146.jpg

2024-03-17 15:36:52

🧵 1/3
August 21, 1983: After a steep scramble up a rockslide, the trail broke out of the forest onto open rocks and ledges along the ridge crest with great views southward across the valley. The neighboring large towns of North Adams and Williamstown spread out below, covering a broad, relatively flat section of that river valley.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Massachusetts #nature #forest #mountains #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/111/736/562/487/978/original/3c2a81d459aef4d7.jpg

2024-03-14 22:17:28

🧵 1/3
May 17, 1983: I finally made my way back to the shelter — no rides, so it was another 3-mile walk in Fontana. You would not think this would bother me, with all the walking I am already doing on this trip, but my legs and the bloody stumps I use for feet have only so many miles in them on any given day, and I hoard these like a miser.
#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #NorthCarolina #nature #nationalparks #lakes #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/112/096/336/596/229/518/original/33daf4ae6817b86f.jpg

2024-02-11 17:48:15

October wetlands, New Britain Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. October 19, 2019, 2:38 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #stream
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/914/102/306/282/269/original/fae6a573de07ab9c.jpg

2024-02-07 00:14:37

Sunset's last gleaming. As the twilight fades, amazing color lingers more than a half hour after the actual sunset. New Britain Reservoir, Southington, Connecticut. October 13, 2019, 6:49 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #lake #trails
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/887/309/223/174/592/original/e62ced99edcc2a4d.jpg

2024-02-05 16:54:27

Late afternoon sunshine meets a light Indian summer mist in the valley. Golden hour view from the Giant's Chest. Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. November 10, 2022, 3:50 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #November #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #trees #goldernhour #mountains
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/879/917/204/183/998/original/21803bd213f37870.jpg

2024-02-05 14:37:49

🧵 1/4
October 2, 1983: A side trail brought me to Big Niagara Falls (no, the other one). The falls were not enormous (no, that’s the other one), but they were impressive enough, and quite scenic. A roaring stream churned through massive rock formations in a lively series of flumes and cascades between forested banks teeming with maples.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Maine #nature #forest #mountains #autumn #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/879/364/190/558/923/original/c1b9b0f61a122952.jpg

2024-01-28 18:55:23

Spring ravine. Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. May 18, 2023, 5:24 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #May #forest #trees #outdoors #naturephotography #trails #springtime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/835/094/437/038/801/original/e5c0d26e25748e4d.jpg

2024-01-23 19:02:24

Exploding clouds sunset, Hidden Lake, Fall Mountain, Plymouth, Connecticut. August 28, 2020, 7:12 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #August #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/806/809/775/193/358/original/1167aa6131998815.jpg

2024-01-09 00:20:46

The thunderstorm ate my sunset. Lost Ponds, Mattatuck State Forest, Plymouth, Connecticut. Winds ahead of the coming storm ripple the pond's surface, distorting the reflection of the thunderhead engulfing the setting sun. July 14, 2018, 7:41 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #July #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/723/126/098/541/064/original/55e0618b1b15a580.jpg

2023-12-30 16:51:27

They say a rainy November day in Connecticut can be dreary, but sometimes you just need to look around and look closer. Finch Brook Preserve, Wolcott, Connecticut. November 7, 2019, 4:24 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #November #forest #moss #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #rainyday
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/670/400/133/354/920/original/fede764bf952b5fa.jpg

2023-12-29 16:15:54

Streaks of orange sunset. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. March 27, 2021, 7:16 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #March #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #springtime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/664/597/285/170/040/original/111937511e8fb292.jpg

2023-12-23 16:44:21

Early morning autumn footbridge, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. October 19, 2019, 8:48 AM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #lake #bridge #morning
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/630/735/530/951/041/original/8206d0400bf848d7.jpg

2023-12-20 14:23:00

Sunset heron. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. April 21, 2021, 7:28 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #April #bird #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #birds #lake #springtime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/613/192/808/560/209/original/a0f5180db8165bcb.jpg

2023-12-19 14:27:17

🧵 1/2
May 10, 1983: The trail down the other side of Standing Indian was fascinating. We followed wide, grassy paths (old woods roads) along a frequently narrow ridge crest through countless thickets of rhododendron.
#backpacking #backpackingadventures #hikingadventures #hiking #landscapephotography #North Carolina #mountains #photography #adventure #trails #AppalachianTrail
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/607/535/291/993/758/original/5fdb4cf370262cad.jpg

2023-12-18 16:30:48

A stormy day along the Pacific Coast of Oregon, March 1984. A sharp eye can pick out a pair of gulls along the cliffs. An even sharper eye might pick out a tiny dot of a sandpiper near the high-water mark waiting for the next wave.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Oregon #PacificOcean #Pacific #ocean #OregonCoast #seacoast #spring #springtime
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/602/355/487/630/382/original/ae489aa986f77639.jpg

2023-12-11 17:57:55

Indian summer sunset. Nearing the end of a warm November afternoon. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. Monday, November 2, 2020, 4:10 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #November #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/563/077/688/093/920/original/c683c54dcf07459a.jpg

2023-12-05 14:21:39

🧵 1/5
August 9, 1983: The next three-and-a-half miles were an easy walk through pleasant forests with no distant views. The Appalachian Trail then crossed New York Route 301 and ascended a very rocky trail alongside Canopus Lake. After a couple more miles, we stood on a rock outcrop near the north end of that lake which almost seemed to overlook two different lakes.
#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewYork #nature #mountains #forest #adventure #AppalachianTrail #trails
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/528/231/460/904/087/original/390ad879344bb894.jpg

2023-12-04 19:42:50

One of my favorite places in autumn. Mill River, Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. October 25, 2023, 12:21 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #river
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/523/853/111/934/808/original/b980396bb824f1b5.jpg

2023-10-23 15:52:23

Turning towards autumn, overlooking Herron Pond, White Memorial Foundation, Morris, Connecticut. October 12, 2023, 2:34 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #pond
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/285/130/045/342/511/original/791536df3d27d612.jpg

2023-10-22 13:50:10

🧵 1/5
They dropped me off at 4:00 this afternoon, at the point where I left the trail on Monday. While I was getting my gear ready to resume my hike, a thru-hiker came by. I won’t use his real name or real trail name in this story. For the purposes of this tale, let’s say that his trail name was Crazy Charlie, and he was just possibly the biggest bs artist I have met on this trail of bs artists.
#backpacking #hiking #AppalachianTrail #landscapephotography #NewYork #nature #forest #mountains
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/111/278/974/074/996/744/original/1294a64be93d91dd.jpg

2023-09-04 16:29:19

Peaceful autumn afternoon at the reservoir, New Britain Reservoir, Southington, Connecticut. October 12, 2019, 4:40 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #trees #lake
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2023-08-29 17:12:01

Hazy ball of fire sunset, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. May 21, 2021, 7:45 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #May #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #springtime
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2023-08-29 15:45:12

Sun-dappled autumn forest, Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. October 21, 2022, 5:01 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #mountains #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #trees
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2023-08-29 14:58:45

1/2🧵
40 years ago today: As I reached the crest of a hill, the composition of the forest changed to a lovely spread of mature hardwoods sprinkled liberally with clusters of white birch. Rhododendron down south are quite a sight when they are in bloom, but, to my mind, nothing compares to the stark beauty of these wonderful trees, with their gleaming white trunks and limbs.
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#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Vermont #nature #forest #mountains #trails
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2023-08-24 17:25:57

Peaceful early autumn sunset at Lost Ponds, Mattatuck State Forest, Plymouth, Connecticut. September 27, 2019, 6:23 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #trees #pond
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2023-08-18 16:59:37

Cool shade and soft breezes, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. July 19, 2020, 6:52 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #July #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime
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2023-08-17 15:18:17

Rocky marshland, New Britain Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. September 24, 2019, 6:27 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #September #forest #marsh #marshland #naturephotography #trails #lake #stream
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2023-08-17 13:58:39

🧵 1/3
40 years ago today: Three miles later, I was at Finerty Pond. The next good water on the trail was more than eight miles ahead, so I settled for bad water and pitched my tent for the night. I was not about to drink pond water without boiling it for several minutes. I was forced to drink hot chocolate with my meal.
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#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #Massachusetts #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails #hikingtrails
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2023-08-14 21:18:05

Fair weather clouds and lily pads, Herron Pond, White Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Morris, Connecticut. August 1, 2023, 1:56 PM. And check out the partially submerged fallen tree trunk that is sprouting new green shoots. That's one tough tree.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #August #forest #lilypads #reflections #naturephotography #trails #pond #summertime
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2023-08-02 19:34:14

First blush of spring sunset, Lost Ponds, Mattatuck State Forest, Plymouth, Connecticut. April 20, 2021, 7:11 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #April #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #pond #springtime
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2023-08-01 13:49:15

Dramatic clouds above the sleeping meadow. Mattatuck State Forest, Plymouth, Connecticut. February 12, 2020, 3:42 PM. A field of tall grass waiting for spring.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #winter #April #forest #outdoors #trail #mountain #trails #mountains #springtime
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2023-07-29 17:48:24

Pink and violet December sunrise, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. December 6, 2019, 6:54 AM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #winter #December #forest #sunrise #sunrises #sunrisephotography #trails #lake #wintertime
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2023-07-29 12:32:08

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2/3
Early this morning, the trail passed over a rocky knob called Rattlesnake Mountain along the ridge crest. There were nice views out over a wooded valley to a parallel ridge in the west. Beyond that ridge, I caught a few glimpses of the Delaware River glittering in the distance.

2023-07-29 12:31:45

1/3🧵
40 years ago today: Today was a steaming hell. The haze was so thick that despite a lack of overcast I only saw the sun for a total of about a half-hour throughout the entire day.
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#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewJersey #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails
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2023-07-28 16:56:04

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2/2
I already knew that many lingering traces of a beauty far older than the smoke and grime and crumbling cities existed near my home, so I should not have been startled to find it here in a state so like my own. Yet I was surprised. Along the scenic ridge crest walking was almost easy, despite the rocks.
More of My 1983 Appalachian Trail Hike in Photos at https://www.georgesteffanos.com/places-i-ve-been

2023-07-28 16:56:00

🧵 1/2
40 years ago today: There were frequent good viewpoints along the ridge crest, but I could not see for great distances through the steam. I did manage to get several decent pictures. This corner of New Jersey is surprisingly scenic. The northern half of New Jersey is one of most heavily developed areas of the country, much like the portion of Connecticut I call home.
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#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewJersey #nature #forest #mountains #trails
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2023-07-28 16:14:03

Autumn rainstorm, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. October 27, 2019, 5:57 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #trees
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2023-07-28 15:46:50

🧵 1/4
40 years ago today: The Appalachian Trail followed paved roads out of Delaware Water Gap into New Jersey. I passed a coke machine along the way. I soon reached the I-80 bridge over the Delaware River, which had a pedestrian walkway the AT followed across.
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#backpacking #hiking #outdoors #landscapephotography #NewJersey #nature #forest #mountains #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails
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2023-07-22 17:05:17

Having it made in the shade, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. July 22, 2020, 4:59 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #nature #Connecticut #summer #July #forest #tree #naturephotography #trails #lake #summertime
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2023-07-22 16:52:10

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3/4
Sir Arthur would be very comfortable with the current political climate in America. The setting of that novel was a fictionalized version of a portion of this valley, as I recall. Today, “The Valley of Fear” looked rather peaceful and bucolic. The low humidity gave my pictures of this excellent view an unaccustomed background of blue sky; distant objects looked sharp and clear.

2023-07-22 16:52:04

- reply

2/4
In the 1800’s, the Schuylkill Valley was the heart of an anthracite coal mining region and the site of one of the more violent early labor struggles. Things quickly got out of hand, and neither side was overly particular about the sanctity of human life. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote a very political Sherlock Holmes novel concerning the efforts of the noble philanthropists who owned the mines to defeat the evil striking workers.

2023-07-22 16:26:06

Soldier of the Revolution
77 years of life (almost 78) is not a bad number for an 8-year Soldier of the Revolution born in 1756, but he lasted less than 2 years after losing his wife Emilia (68 years). Northeast Burying Ground, Wolcott, CT. November 18, 2017, 4:04 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #Connecticut #autumn #November #cemetery #gravestone #oldgravestone #blackandwhite #trails #oldcemetery
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2023-07-22 15:45:31

🧵 1/2
40 years ago today: The weather was cooler and drier today, with a welcome breeze and the deepest blue skies I have seen in weeks. Three pints of water lasted me eighteen miles. The trail was uneventful for the first 11. It followed along the ridge crest, crossing one paved road, Pennsylvania 183, several miles from the campsite.
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#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #outdoors #nature #Pennsylvania #mountains #forest #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails
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2023-07-20 16:55:13

Pink and gray January sunset, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. January 4, 2021, 4:39 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #winter #August #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #wintertime
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2023-07-20 16:14:39

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2/3
I was expecting much worse after all the horror stories I have heard concerning the Pennsylvania rocks, but I am not quite ready to begin my victory celebration. There is still a way to go before I am out of this state.

2023-07-20 16:14:31

🧵 1/3
40 years ago today: The remainder of the trail over Peters Mountain was much like the last few miles of hiking yesterday. The rocks continued to be tolerable. There were but a few exceptionally bad stretches. Thus far, only about twenty-five percent of the trail since the Cumberland Valley has been particularly rocky.
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#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #outdoors #nature #Pennsylvania #mountains #forest #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails
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2023-07-19 17:07:27

Autumn leaves and lily pads. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. October 13, 2020, 6:15 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #foliage #autumnvibes #naturephotography #trails #trees #lake #lilypads
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2023-07-19 16:38:07

- reply

2/3
There were several superior views into the valleys below from points along both sides of the ridge. One remaining annoyance was the cloud of gnats that swarmed around my sweaty face as I hiked. I kept my bandanna in hand and was continuously compelled to use it to chase them away.

2023-07-19 16:37:59

🧵 1/3
40 years ago today: After about three miles, the trail finally leveled out along the crest of the mountain and the rocks thinned out considerably. It was not bad hiking at all, and I began to make up in large chunks the time I had lost on the ascent.
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#backpacking #hiking #landscapephotography #outdoors #nature #Pennsylvania #mountains #forest #AppalachianTrail #adventure #trails
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2023-07-18 16:52:55

Fade to September sunset, New Britain Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. August 31, 2020, 7:35 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #August #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime #stream
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2023-07-17 17:00:33

Autumn footpath, Whitestone Cliffs Trail, Plymouth, Connecticut. October 18, 2020, 5:32 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #naturephotography #trails #footpath #autumnvibes
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2023-07-10 18:05:32

Sunset over a quiet cove, Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. May 17, 2021, 8:01 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #May #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #springtime
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2023-07-06 17:11:18

Smudges of gold and rippling waters sunset, version 2. Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut. June 20, 2020, 8:38 PM. This view just relaxes me.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #summer #June #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #summertime
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2023-06-08 17:24:27

Streaks of pink and orange sunset. Whitestone Cliffs Trail, Plymouth, Connecticut. October 3, 2020, 6:31 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #autumn #October #forest #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography #trails #lake #clouds
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2023-06-03 16:40:49

🧵 1/3
40 years ago today: The climb up Hump was a bear, but views from every inch of the trail lightened the load. Like Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Little Hump, this summit had 360-degree views, but Hump Mountain stood more remote from the other high peaks, and the panorama extended for miles in every direction.
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#backpacking #hiking #NorthCarolina #landscapephotography #nature #mountains #Tennessee
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2023-05-30 17:58:00

Sunset from cliffs along the edge of the old abandoned quarry. Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, Connecticut. May 26, 2023, 8:01 PM.
#hiking #photography #landscapephotography #hikingadventures #nature #Connecticut #spring #May #forest #outdoors #trail #mountain #trails #mountains #springtime #sunset #sunsets #sunsetphotography
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2023-04-19 17:41:43

Sunset over Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott, Connecticut, August 21, 2021, 7:41 PM.
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2023-03-02 20:11:23

I am celebrating the 40th anniversary of my hike this year with daily posts (including 40 years ago today, May 2 - Oct 3) and hopefully a sequel Appalachian Trail hike and book within the next two years, if I can get all my ducks in a row for it. It should be an interesting contrast. I was 24 when I made the original hike.
My book Then the Hail Came (A Humorous and Truthful Account of a 1983 Appalachian Trail Thru-hike) is available in paperback and eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QFG4ZR6
#hiking