Date: 2017-05-24
From: Stealth camp

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 80:We hike thirteen miles into Port Clinton by 11:30 ("Rokk" was a bit behind and had not arrived yet). This little sleepy town is home to a pretty large train yard, but it is obviously a bit depressed. The census report on line show a dramatic decrease in population. But, it's a cute little town and one worth visiting if you are hiking or driving through. I understand that coal mining is still a major economic driver for this area and still provides jobs and keeps the trains that run through this town very productive.  AWOL's guide mentions the Peanut Store which to me is code for snacks. When we entered the store we were in a state of shock. This store is practically in the middle of nowhere, but was full floor to ceiling with every candy you could ever imagine. We were like kids in a candy store (literally). The clerk, Kate, told us that people will drive from as far as Philadelphia to get their favorite candy. Oh, their best seller is their fresh roasted peanuts. After we satisfied our sweet tooth, we walked next door to the Port Clinton Hotel for lunch. "Scooby" and I ordered our lunch when "Rokk" arrived along with another gentleman named Don. Don is in his 70's and met "Rokk" when he was offering trail magic. So, "Rokk" decides he is going to buy Don lunch to show his appreciation. He doesn't stop there either. He insisted on buying my lunch and "Scooby's" as well.  Incidentally, the food at this place is off the charts good. The hamburger is probably one of the best on the trail. "Rokk's" two days of hiking with us was over and his wife Peggy was on her way to pick him up. He admits it was tough keeping up with us, but I was personally impressed with how well he did... a real trooper, great trail angel and fun to be around. Thank you "Rokk" for spending a couple days on the trail with us.  Back to Don...After lunch, Don took us to his car and loaded us up with more trail magic, snacks, drinks, and cheese. We were all set to knock off another thirteen miles.  If you've been following my journal you will remember when I broke one of my trekking poles on Blood Mountain. After coming off Blood Mountain you come to Mountain Crossing Outfitters at Neels Gap. The clerk there told me that the manufacturer would warranty my broken pole. My response was why would I do that? It wasn't defective, I fell and broke it... not their fault. I'm giving this background information to set up this next story. A special treat to myself on this trip was the purchase of a Sea to Summit blow up pillow. It cost me around $45, but was well worth it for my sleeping comfort. A few weeks ago I noticed it was leaking. Most recently (now), I'm having to blow it up six to eight times a night. I decided that I needed it replaced by Sea To Summit. All I did was put my head on it each night (what you'd expect, right?). Annie has all the purchase info at home so I asked her to reach out to them. After a number of calls and emails the associate at Sea to Summit, we'll call him Jacob, (because that's his name) sent me an email asking me to take the pillow, inflate the pillow, place the pillow in a basin of water, take a picture of where the bubbles are coming from, and then email the picture of the air bubbles to him.  Not a joke... he was serious. For the record, he knew I was on the trail as a thru-hiker (highly unlikely that I'd have a basin in my backpack). So, I called again from somewhere along mile number 1,200 on the AT in the middle of nowhere. This time the person that answers the phone, we'll call her Brie, (because that's her name) listens to me (key word is listens) and agrees that they need to get me a new pillow. A short time later I got an email from Jacob... pillow in route.   FYI, I'll be off the trail for five days starting Friday to attend my niece's high school graduation. Annie and I are actually honorary Aunt and Uncle to Ashley who we've known and loved before she was born. I'll also have a couple days to see my sons and their families as well. Oh, about "Scooby", he's going to hike on for two days and then he too will be off the trail. He and his wife will be taking a five day vacation. I'll come back two days before his return, catch up to where he left off, and will continue with him once he is back. As always, I'll continue to journal while I'm off the trail.  All the best.Whistler