It’s the unofficial last week of summer in Connecticut and I decided to do something a little different — I’m going to try walking across the state. I started today in Voluntown (a little town near the Rhode Island border) and I’m heading west. I’m excited to hear from people across Connecticut, to stop into local businesses and get some great ideas to bring back to Washington. I’m a little unsure how far I’ll make it but we will see how this goes. Here’s a recap of my first day out on the road.

Update: Want to see more from my walk across Connecticut? Check out my recaps from Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6.

My route today from Voluntown to Norwich. I’m picking up the pace tomorrow!

I kicked off the trip with a video message in front of this mural showing the history of Voluntown. PS — I’ll be sharing scenes from the trip on Snapchat. Follow along by adding my username, @ChrisMurphyCT

And we’re off. I’ve got my trusty Red Sox hat, neon shoelaces and plenty of water.

Ice cream from Buttonwood Farm to celebrate first 2 miles. Just in case you’re wondering, I got the Butter Crunch.

Pit stop at the Preston Trading Post to talk with the owner, Joe. They’ll be in business for 42 years this fall.

Had some company from the Courant’s Dan Haar. He walked the entirety of Route 44 back in 2014 and had some good tips — namely, how not to get hit by a car. Take a minute to check out the story he wrote from our time on the road together: http://goo.gl/4j9IHR

Stopped into Flemings in Preston City to say hello. After a hot afternoon the sun was finally starting to abate. Whew.

Walking is better with company. I had Preston native Sean join me for a few miles to talk about the town’s economic development efforts.

Mile 10. The road ahead

Awesome impromptu stop. Don and his wife run a wonderful blueberry farm on Rt 165 on the Norwich line. Don still works full time at Electric Boat. Takes time off in July for peak blueberry season. Business is really picking up, he says.

Crossing the Quinebaug River at dusk.

I’m planning to end every day with a town hall discussion. We had a great group with us in Norwich to talk about issues including transportation, mental health and the opioid epidemic.

Thank you to the Greenville Fire Department for hosting the town hall. Fun fact — this is the second longest continuously operating firehouse in Connecticut.

I ended the night with a serving of Wings at These Guys Brewing Company in Norwich. A quick night’s sleep and then I’m back on the road at 6:00 am tomorrow. Looking forward to Bozrah, Hadlyme and Chester tomorrow!