Date: 2017-07-12
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter Tent Site 
Miles today: 14.8

7/12Port Clinton,  PA to Eckville Shelter Tent Site 14.8 miles Total miles:  1232.6I slept well last night and was on the trail by 7:45.  I took a photo of the Port Clinton Hotel with the sun in a more supportive position and then headed out of town.  There was a very steep ascent out of town, but it was not nearly as severe as the descent was yesterday.  After I got to the top of the ridge, the trail was the now the familiar mix of difficulty levels that has defined central Pennsylvania.  I encountered two very impressive outlooks today.  The first was Pulpit Rock, where I enjoyed the view with Dory, Splat, and Simple.  From there, I walked a few hundred feet off trail and discovered the Pulpit Rock Astrological Park. Once again, the AT produces interesting, unexpected places to explore, and I spent some time walking among the buildings before settling against a tree on the freshly mowed grass to take my afternoon siesta.  I wasn't the only one who decided to take advantage of the Astrological Park's fresh, green grass to take a nap.  Dory and Splat joined me and napped a while longer than I did.  I left while they were both still asleep.  Of course, they both caught up with me soon, and I hiked awhile with Splat.  We had a wonderful conversation about all kinds of issues, and I told her one of my favorite quotes, "Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up."  We came to the other spectacular view of the day at Pinnacle Rock and spent time soaking in the view and taking photos. It was here that I met Debi and her daughter, Rachel. I also met Porsche and Bentley.  I have a soft spot in my heart for Yorkies, because we had a very special rescue dog named Roxie for ten years.  She was a special member of our family and lived to be almost eighteen years old.  Like all Yorkies, Porsche and Bentley are indescribably cute. I left Pinnacle Rock fully expecting the now predictable mix of trail conditions for the final five miles to my intended destination. I was surprised to discover that these last miles of the day followed an old roadbed and proved to be some of the easiest hiking I have had the entire trip.  I love the unpredictability of the Pennsylvania AT. I arrived at the Eckville Shelter around 5:00 and set up my tent.  Bekka, Dapper Dan's fiancee, was unexpectedly delayed by their dog becoming ill, but she made it as soon as she could.  Bekka is a lively, boisterous young woman, and we had a great time driving to the Wal-Mart in Hamburg for resupply.  Bekka actively participated and gave me some good ideas on some new foods to try.  As always, however, I was on the lookout for my old lunch standby, Spam Singles.  It may be hard to believe, but not all Wal-Marts carry Spam Singles.  This particular Wal-Mart surpassed my wildest dreams by not only having Spam Singles, but having an entire display of my favorite luncheon delicacy.  Bekka recorded the moment by taking my picture alongside the display.  There is no trash receptacle at the shelter, so Bekka also helped us shed the excess packaging while still at Wal-Mart.  We then headed for McDonald's for a late supper, before returning to the campsite. We must have passed a dozen deer beside the road to and from Hamburg. Fortunately,  they all decided to stay off of the road.  We soon arrived back at camp and said goodby for now to Bekka. Thank you, Bekka, for the great Trail Magic, and I know we will be keeping in touch with each other in the future.  I then headed for bed. I'll sort the food into my food sack tomorrow.  I purchased enough food to get me to Delaware Water Gap and into New Jersey.  It's hard to believe I  soon be in another state.