Date: 2014-06-12
From: Eagle's Nest

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm feeling totally wiped out from 5 days of relentless rain and now having to deal with dehydration and lack of nutrition from diarrhea. My stomachs in knots and I try to run things through my head as to the best course of action to take given the circumstances. The original plan was to meet Leo at our original destination but that it 2 days and 36 miles away. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but given my physical condition and the trail condition with the rocks it is unlikely I could cover the necessary distance and be on time for him to pick me up. After much deliberation and consternation I make the hard but right decision and call Leo to have him pick me up in Port Clinton which is only 9 miles away later today. As usual the right decisions are the hardest as I really wanted to put in the miles so when I returned there would be less than 50 miles to do in Pennsylvania. Oh well, if I have learned one thing about being on the trail is that you need to be adaptive. Leo is very gracious with the change in plans and will meet me later that evening. This gives me plenty of time to navigate the rocks on the trail and not have to really push it. Fog and mist control the day. Everything is dank and humid. All morning long I feel like I have to use the bathroom and finally head for the woods before a wet fart spoils the day in more ways than one. But fortunately nothing passes but gas. The rocks continue to show their presence and are slowing me down. However, they have not been as bad overall as they were made out to be. They are more of an annoyance and basically slow you down. If it was dry I could have done a lot of rock hopping, but it is what it is. The last half mile to town is one of the steepest ones I have encountered since on the trail with at least a 60 degree slope or more at times and little to slow you down. My plan of action to go slowly pays off and after an hour or so I make to flat land. Now to find some place to get a bite to eat and hang out until Leo can get to me. After some wandering around in a very small town I found the Port Clinton Hotel which has some nice dining on one side and yes you guessed it, a BAR on the other. Oh yeah! Normally it would be an even greater celebration had I been feeling better, but using good judgment I forgo the brews that would definitely put me in a bad way and sip on ginger ale while eating a turkey sandwich. I feel so tired and wasted after these 5 days and if it wasn't for Leo I would definitely be heading for a hotel for some recuperation. I did some more journaling and got out some post cards to friends until Leo was able to pick me up. Leo has been a Trail Angel extraordinaire going way above and beyond what most people would do. He has been a true friend, the kind that is hard to find and I really appreciate how he and Annette are doing this out of the kindness of their heart because they want to and not because they expect something in return. Back at their house its a quick shower and sleep in a real bed. It's so good to feel dry again and rid of that clammy slimy feeling. Thank you God for looking out for me by bringing such nice people into my life.