In case you missed it, I’m attempting to walk across Connecticut. Starting in Voluntown near the RI border and ending in Greenwich. Check out my recaps from Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 6.
After today, I’m officially in the home stretch of my walk. Here’s what I saw on Day 5 of my trip.
Today I tackled 22 miles and spent time in 5 towns — Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk and Darien. I’m officially in the heart of Fairfield county.
My morning began bright and early with beautiful views of Bridgeport.
Seriously. Bridgeport = beautiful
I met Joey, a 7th grader, on his way to school. He says to me with conviction, “I’m going to college”. How can we let him down?
My first big stop of the day was at the Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport. It’s a unique place that houses multiple organizations all under one roof. These groups work on issues like cancer prevention, juvenile justice, mentorship, refugee resettlement and helping the long-term unemployed find jobs. The best part is that the organizations can learn from and promote one another, helping continue to connect people in Bridgeport to a variety of services. I left feeling buoyed by the great work they’re doing in the community.
Today also marked the return of my Red Sox hat. Fairfield County is Yankee country through and through so I needed to be sure to make myself known.
On my way into Fairfield, I passed Rawley’s Hot Dogs and a Dairy Queen on the same block. I tried to decide which one would be more acceptable to eat at 10 in the morning.
I had some exciting friends waiting for me when I got to Driftwood Coffee Shop in Southport — Abigail and her four year old daughter Eliza. They had come to Driftwood just to see me and wish me well on my walk. They even brought me a kind bar for energy on the road!
I showed Eliza how you can make yourself look like a puppy using the filters on Snapchat.
I had some company on my walk down Peaquot Road — State Rep Cristin McCarthy Vahey walked with me and introduced me to the neighborhood.
My walk into Wesport was stunning. This walk has given me a new appreciation for just how beautiful our state is.
My parents had talked about coming to walk with me sometime today and they surprised me in Wesport on my way to Elvira’s Market. Thanks Mom and Dad!
Something that happened to me a lot today — people who were following the walk on Snapchat tracked me down in person! Madison and her mom Valerie caught up with me at Elvira’s. Madison just got her learner’s permit and one of the first places she drove was to come meet me!
Crossed over the Saugatuck River Bridge. Making my way through Wesport towards Norwalk.
Next stop was the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Dr. Davis gave me a quick tour of the aquarium and showed me some of their new exhibits. If you’re looking for something fun for kids in Norwalk, the aquarium is the place to go.
I had a special guest with me for my last leg of the trip today — Congressman Jim Himes! He walked with me from Norwalk to Darien and joined me for our town hall tonight.
Tonight’s town hall was in Tilley Park in Darien. It may have been one of the most picturesque town halls I’ve ever done. And even though it’s the Friday of a long weekend we still had a great crowd! Way to go Darien.
I ended the night with a burger from Burger, Shake and Fries in Darien. And of course, an Oreo shake. Fun fact — I’ve had ice cream every day so far on the walk.
I can hardly believe it but this walk is almost over. As much as I’m excited to sleep in my own bed (and maybe sit down for a while), I can honestly say that every step has been worth it. I spent today marveling at the beauty of Fairfield county — from the architecture in Bridgeport to the shoreline in Westport. I’ve had the time to notice the details in a way I never have before. And most importantly, I got to hear from even more people about their lives, their aspirations and how they’re working hard to make ends meet.
I’ve got 11 more miles to go tomorrow and I know there are more people to meet, more stories to hear and more that is still ahead for me on my last day on the road. Stay tuned for the finish line.
