Date: 2004-07-02
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

While yesterday's long hike went smoothly, today's hike went sluggishly. Part of the problem was the increased humidity after a brief storm during the night. The sun was hot but the "green tunnel" protected me most of the way.I woke up, packed up, and walked the entire 18 miles into Port Clinton without seeing a single soul. I even took an hour break at the Eagles Nest Shelter and there was no evidence that anyone had passed. I felt very alone and wondered if I would see anyone familiar in the town.There was a steep descent into the village. I lost my footing and fell, thankful that I did not roll the rest of the way down. I'd hate to be a southbounder climbing this thing. It is all loose rock and sand.At the bottom of the hill is a railroad museum and tracks. Still no one in sight. I started wondering if I were the only human in existance. Then I came across Krispy Kritter and Pipesmoke at the steps to the outfitters in town. They gave me the rundown of what Port Clinton has to offer.I was surprised to hear that various shuttlers such as Bag of Tricks were in town taking hikers to Hamburg for food. Port Clinton has no market for resupply. It consists of two residential streets, a transient hotel, a pavilion, a post office, and an outfitter.A large sports outfitter named Cabella's offered shuttles from the post office to their store in Hamburg as well. I did not bother because the paltry selection of crackers at the Appalachian Outfitters suffice for now.Do not try to stay at the Port Clinton Hotel. There is only one room available for hikers and it is small. I have heard that sleeping at the pavilion has better accommodations. The B&B in town is pricey and open strange hours--for example, not on weekends. Navigator remarked that it was a rundown hotel. I opted to sleep at the pavilion for the night but got sucked into the Port Clinton Hotel bar where I met up with Luna and Meanderthal. For $5, I could get a shower upstairs. Granted it was a hot, cold, hot shower but it did the job.Meanderthal recommended the food so I had dinner at the pub and enjoyed a few relaxing hours in a crowded air conditioned room with the locals and thru-hikers on a Friday night before a holiday weekend.I even had the opportunity to try a "chilly willy". I really believe the name was invented by Lint but he insists the "drink" is common in Russia. I've been reading about this alternative method of alcohol intake in the registries and wanted to check it out. Basically, you turn a shot glass over and fill the dimple in the base with whiskey or burbon--whatever hard liquor of your choice--and inhale the dose through one nostil. It hits the blood stream faster, of course, and also makes your appear silly and unsophisticated as you try it. So naturally, I went for it with audience and cameras in tow. Success, I snorted the small shot, remarked "Oh my God" as the burning sensation subsided, and returned to my barstool for some water. The audience was impressed, I believe.*More hikers entered the premise including Still Learning and Saltlick. They hiked 28 miles. Still Learning had that dazed look of someone who forgot his name, what year it is, and what he had for breakfast. Saltlick had to speak for him sometimes. Tapeworm showed up too and I met some new hikers--Strange Love and Flip Flop.After a few beers it was time for bed. I headed to the pavilion and chose a dark corner to lay out my thermarest. The place was deserted except for one couple. I was remotely aware of a group of hikers hanging out across the street from the pavilion and talking until very late, but I fell into a deep sleep. I had another 23 mile day tomorrow and I doubted I would achieve it considering the fun I had that evening.*Despite the pictures that Transcriber (or should I call her Tran-sister) [who, me?] chooses to post, I don't spend every waking moment drinking an alcoholic beverage. I do spend a good portion of the time hiking until I hit a town and then I drink. Thought I'd make that clear.