While taking a rest at the summit of Round Mountain, on the way to Connecticut's high point via Mt. Frissell, a female hiker emerged from the trail on the Connecticut side about 20ft away. We both said "Hi!" and made some throw-away chit-chat comment about us being winded from the climb. The female hiker removed her air-pod music devices, grunted, put them back in her ears and hiked away. "Good talk!" we said as we watched he disappear into the woods down Round Mountain, then proceeded to laugh about how improbable the whole experience was.

On that chilly day (around 28F) we didn't expect to see anyone else on the hike, and especially someone so little interested in conversation to be so rude.

After finally collecting our breath, we set out and achieved the CT high point, on the shoulder of Mt. Frissell. On the way back, we ran into another group of three more intrepid snowshoers. This time, when they saw us climbing towards them, they immediately stepped aside, and greeted us as we approached. We quickly found some common interests and chatted about the trail condition briefly before wishing each other a great day before heading on our way.

The second experience couldn't have been more different from the first. The second group of hikers were so friendly, polite, and clearly enjoying their day. The first was grumpy, rude, and likely missed out on a good conversation and memory at the least. The contrast between them really put into perspective that whether your having your best hiking day, or worst hiking day, dig deep and find that stiff upper-lip (as the Brits are wont to state), smile, and remember your trail etiquette. Not only will you have a better experience, you might even brighten the day of strangers you meet on the trail.