Back in 2018, my friend Cherry and I had finished our Hiking for Friendly’s series, which came after our Mattabesset Trail excursions. What to do next? We discovered the DEEP Sky’s the Limit Challenge, and began our next adventure.
We spent the year hiking the 14 required sites of the challenge. We rewarded ourselves after each hike with a yummy local lunch.
Those who completed the DEEP Sky’s the Limit Challenge received a certificate and medallion. A subset was chosen to receive a hand-carved hiking stick. We won one!!!
2019: Cherry and I continue our adventures
2020: COVID hits. Cherry decides to sit it out. I keep hiking. The challenge is reduced in number of required hikes and doesn’t start until October. Because I was alone, there was no food reward!
2021: COVID still a problem; Cherry and I met at many sites. I hiked the rest without her, but was joined by others including Angie, Malcolm, and Tracy. The theme this year was bridges and boardwalks. I love boardwalks!
2022: Cherry joined me at a few sites, and Angie, Fred, and Malcolm stood in for some others.
2023: This year’s challenge included several Rail Trails, in addition to State Parks and Forests. I did a number of the sites on my own and appreciated the company of Cherry, Tom, Angie, Janice, Lindsey, and Malcolm this year.
Six years of completing all the DEEP Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenges!! [If you want to (re)read all the blogs, just click on DEEP’s Sky’s the Limit.] Wow! It’s been fun and interesting. However, I decided this was my last time for this challenge.
But there was one more surprise: this year, I won another beautiful hand-carved stick!! One the first year, one the last year. Book ends!
2023 Award and Hiking Stick
Beth Lapin 
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Thank you, Beth, for inspiring all of us to get out there and hike in beautiful Connecticut and elsewhere.
This is so great Beth. What an achievement! Congratulations.
I have been reading your accounts since the beginning with both awe and appreciation for your photographs. May I encourage you to put a book together sharing these photos in one location as well highlighting the hikes? I bet you are already considering this. Brava!
Thanks for the suggestion! We shall see.
Well done Beth. Four years (and counting) of hiking and blogging. Thanks for bring us along. I have enjoyed the ride.
I always enjoy your company, Robb!
What a nice finale to your hiking challenges! It’s been fun following along.
Where was the Housatonic Highland hike? Curious to check it out.
Barbara
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Correct Name: Housatonic Meadows State Park, 90 Route 7 North, Sharon
Trail Name: Pine Knob Loop Trail (just south of Housatonic Meadows State Park campground)
Map: Pine Knob Loop Trail
Parking Area: Just south of Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Photo Locations: Trail Sign for Pine Knob Trail (by the road) and Scenic Overlook
Suggestions: Hike clockwise (to the left) along the blue trail to the blue/white trail. You can turn around and come back to the parking lot or continue the loop up and over the 2nd knob.
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous
Approximate Length: 2.5 miles
Things to do in the area: http://www.ctvisit.com/listings/housatonic-meadows-state-park
What a nice finale to your hiking challenges! It’s been fun following along.
Where was the Housatonic Highland hike? Curious to check it out.
Barbara
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Congratulations to both of you – actually, all of you – for this long term venture that took you to so many places (and meals!) I really admire your adventurous spirit, your physical fitness, and your determination!
Susan Nathiel
Thanks, Susan. It was a good annual goal for those years.