Date: 2007-06-15
From: 501 Shelter, PA

To: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been a long week, so far. I really feel like I've been out here for several weeks already.This morning, around 7:15 AM, after a hot breakfast of instant oatmeal, I headed out of the 501 shelter just in time to hike with Rock Man, who was already making his way down the trail. Our destination today was Eagle's Nest Shelter, approximately 15.1 miles away. Again, for me this is the third "big mileage" day for in a row. I don't want to keep up this pace, but this is the typical distance between shelters in this area. I could choose to set up my tent and camp for the night along the way, but I like the company of other hikers when they congregate at the shelters for the evening. You get to exchange stories and information that could affect your plans for the next day. For instance, a southbounder may tell you that the spring, four miles north of the shelter, is dry.Today's weather, once again, was cool with a thick, overcast sky. I really appreciate that it has not been hot at all since Tuesday. It has been comfortable.The trail today was fairly level, however, the rocks slowed me and Rock Man down every so often. The most common rocks imbedded in the trail have been small pointy rocks that stick up like little pyramids in the ground. Once you step on one, you can't really tell which way your heel is going to move. There have also been boulder fields with rocks or boulders that range in size from two feet cubed to about the size of the back seat of a car. That's a strange item to compare the size of a rock to, but that's the only object that comes close to representing the size of some of these rocks. Surprisingly, these big boulders sometimes move, too. You'd expect that a rock that large would be steady. Either way, hiking over these rocks requires some delicate maneuvering and good balance in order to avoid an ankle sprain.      The rest of the day was spent listening to the birds and walking under tall oak trees. It was good that I was able to keep up with the pace of Rock Man since he's been on the trail for thee months and he is in great cardiovascular shape. I also appreciate being able to hike and talk with another person during the day since there aren't too many people out here. Perhaps the bulk of northbound hikers who started this spring are behind me. Overall, it was a fair day. There were a couple of overlooks that allowed you to see the farms in the valley below. Otherwise, today looked just like yesterday. By 3:30 PM, Rock Man and I made it too the shelter. Both of us were complaining of pain in our feet. I'm taking three Aleve each day and by morning, the pain is gone. Tomorrow, Rock Man and I are heading into Port Clinton, PA. The main motel in town, the Microtel, is booked. The reason is that people come from all around to see the flagship, 250,000 square foot Cabela's outdoor store. I didn't think that would be such an attraction, but it apparently is. I think I should have a look, too, and pick up a few supplies while I'm at it.Once I do find a motel with vacancies, I will take a day or two off from hiking and thoroughly enjoy my first shower of this trip. I'll also do laundry, and hopefully, find a place for a good cup of coffee.It is now a little after 7:30 PM as I type this. I'm sitting at a picnic table that is in front of the shelter beneath thick Oak Trees. I can look up and see that the setting sun is changing the color of the clouds from grey to reddish-orange. I'm also feeling the air get chilly. Soon, I'll call it a night. Rock Man is tenting nearby and calling his relatives on his cell phone. We're close enough to Port Clinton that there is a weak cell phone signal here. For me, it looks like I'll be alone in the shelter tonight.   No Worries, Backyard Boogie, and Blazer stopped to camp about one-quarter mile before reaching the shelter.