Date: 2016-06-23
From: PA 183

To: Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Conundrum had been having problems with a blister on his big toe. It popped and got pretty painful. He and Aurora decided to take a zero day and try to recover. A hiker named Harry had come in late yesterday on crutches. He hurt his knee. I had actually met him 2 days ago during a stop for lunch. He will also zero at the hostel and try to get well. If his knee does not heal he will go home and see another doctor. As you can tell, there are many injuries on the trail. They can really derail your plans.We had a nice breakfast on the porch. It was a beautiful morning but it started to rain as we ate. The rain did not last long but the forecast called for it to rain again later then stop in the evening. One of the things we do regularly is check the forecast on the trail. It really helps when you are prepared for rain or whatever is coming. Craig dropped Chicken Feet and myself back at the trail. I have a theory about the trail in Pennsylvania. I believe that Pennsylvanians collected all the rocks throughout the state and dumped them on the AT trail. How else did all those rocks get there??? The hike today was very similar to the past days, rocks then normal trail, more rocks then bigger rocks. It is not fun when you are hiking with your head down watching your footing all the time. It makes it hard to appreciate your surroundings. Every once in a while I just stop and look around trying to take in the beauty of the woods and hoping to see some wildlife. I am sure I passed some deer, bears, and other animals without noticing them. I came up on two young guys hiking towards me. They looked familiar but I did not say anything. One of them asked if we had met but I could not remember actually meeting them. He then said that we met in a parking lot while I was waiting for my friends from Washington DC then again at the shelter that night. I DID remember them. They were doing a 2 day shakedown hike. That is when you go out to test your gear and supplies in preparation for a longer hike. They had been hiking for 11 days and had about 12 to go. Small world!The last part of the hike today was a very steep descent. I had to go very slowly. My poles would have helped but they are in my backpack since I haven't fixed the malfunction. It was slow going. There was even a part where we had to use a rope to help us down or up in that section depending on ones hiking direction. I arrived in Port Clinton crossing RR tracks then a bridge over a refreshing looking river. This area was so picturesque. I walked into town and went to Franks Barber Shop where many hikers congregate. They are very hiker friendly and have coffee and cookies for hikers. You can get a haircut or just sit around and charge your phone and talk to everyone in there. I went in and sat down and met Whitetop and Braids there. They were getting a shuttle ride to the next town and their plan was to stay in a hotel and resupply. I decided to go with them since I wanted to go to the library and catch up on my blog. I also have poison ivy on my arms and legs and wanted a shower and air conditioning since it was itching me pretty good. Steve shuttled us over. He is very talkative and only asks for gas money...that's a good deal! He also offered to take me to the library and pick me up when I was finished. I am glad that he offered because the library was about 1.5 miles away. I accepted! Another good day with the rocky trail and a little rain making it interesting. About 76 more miles to New Jersey, can't wait to leave these rocks behind.