Date: 2005-06-28
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 12.6

The sleep we got last night was good, just not long enough. Poor Bug got the short end of the deal, as I had gotten up on the wrong side of the sleeping pad. By the time we had reached Peters Mountain Shelter, I was in better spirits since I had gotten some food and gotten well-hydrated.   Peters Mountain Shelter was really pretty. We did not however, hike down the 300 stone steps to the spring. Bug and I were well-prepared and got plenty of water before we arrived. We took a very short break here and took the time to check out the old shelter that Earl Schaffer built, which still stands on the same site as Peters Mountain.We were eager to continue on, because we had planned to take a nice long siesta in the heat of the day at Clarks Creek---a wonderful little oasis in the PA heat and lack of water.We arrived to a beautiful little stream, and hiked to a lovely secluded spot in the pines. After bathing and washing the sweat out of our clothes, we cooked up a wonderful meal of squash casserole. This was followed by nap time for about an hour.Now as I said before, the morning was not so great for me, but the day turned around 180 degrees. We were startled awake by the sound of a truck door slamming, and sat up to the sound of a voice asking if we would like a cold soda to drink. At this, our ears perked up, and then the man proceeded to ask us if we needed a place to stay, along with a hot shower and meal. At this point we began to wonder if we were still dreaming, so we made our way back around to the parking area where the gentleman was standing. After talking with him, we decided that a home stay for the evening would be a really sweet deal. Sam-I-Am wrote a register entry about how if someone is nice enough to offer you a kindness, you shouldn't throw it back in their face. This entry really hit Bug, because typically at this stage of the hike he would normally want to hike at least a few more miles. Instead, we jumped at the chance to stay in a home with nice folks and be well fed. The only condition was that we would have to wait a couple of hours while he did some fly-fishing in the creek. Bug and I were quite agreeable and walked back to pack up our gear. In the meantime, Redwing and Hopeful (who we thought were ahead) arrived and also took the man up on his offer. It was great to know we would have the opportunity to get to know them better. The gentleman introduced himself as Al and his wife, Eloise on the way to the house. They have been opening their home to hikers for about 5 years now, and making them feel welcome.He told us that there were 2 house rules: (1)we were required to sign his hiker register and (2)once we reach Katahdin, we must send him a picture postcard. I cannot begin to express how kind this couple was. They were so giving and went out of their way to make us feel at home.When we arrived, he told us where to put our packs, gave us a laundry basket for our stinky clothes and pointed us in the direction of the showers. Once we were nice and clean, he called us in for dinner and served up ravioli with sauce, green peas, and a delicacy to the area (delicious french fries served up with vinegar), and topped it all off with brownies for dessert. Their property is just beautiful and he was happy to show us around. Bug thought he was in hog-heaven when he found out that Al had honeybees, that was until he got a little too close in checking out the solar-powered electric fence. It made a bee nervous and he made a full-frontal attack on Bug's forehead. They had dogs and cats, and as I have stated before we miss our dogs dearly. It was good to be able to love on someone else's animals since ours are so far away.We retired to the front porch for an evening of conversation with Redwing and Hopeful when Al walked through to announce that he was going into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for in the morning. At this we were speechless, the hospitality was never-ending.I believe this is possibly the best trail magic we have ever experienced. We decided to call it a night, and now we are tucked away in a real bed. Bug swears the mattress is a Tempurpedic, but I don't think so, because the bed is an antique rope bed. Whatever the case, it is so comfy I am nodding off as I type....so goodnight.