Date: 2006-05-06
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It is starting to become a "bad" trend getting up early - as we got up already at 5:30 today. Moses had to catch a bus at 6:20 so I got up to follow him there, apparently Bag of Tricks and Dodger had the same idea because they got up too. We stood in front of the Restaurant "3 C's" as the bus came over the hill with 55mph. All four of us started waving our arms jumping up and down while trying to flag down the bus. As the bus passed us by we could see the smirk on the driver's face - grrr it made us just a little upset! Time to take action. With coffee and a muffin in our hands we ran to Trick's car and started down the highway as fast as the speeding limit and a little car loaded with hikers could allow.The bus was still way ahead of us so Tricks got on the CB radio to the local truck drivers "Break 1 9" he said "I need directions for a bus terminal in Reading". Before long a truck driver came over the radio and we were off again high tailing it to the bus terminal - hot on pursuit! With four minutes to spare we found the bus. Moses ran inside to buy a ticket while I found the driver to ask him why he had passed us by. "Well, I just don't always stop there" the driver explained. Hmm, not wanting any trouble I just thought to myself that was not a very good explanation. For future reference any other hikers are recommended to flag down the bus in front of the Peanut Lady in Port Clinton. Back to 3 C's we had yet to have breakfast. Two eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausages, and coffee Thanks Tricks you sure did make the morning an exciting start of the day. At the post office I had not just one package waiting nor two or three - I had four packages waiting!!! Oh no, what happened? My missing box from Boiling Springs had arrived there so that got forwarde. The second box was the maildrop from Morgan Bateman. The third box was from friends at Harpers Ferry (I knew that was coming so I was all excited to get it). The fourth box was a complete surprise from the KY Trail angels The box from Harpers Ferry had a bag of home roasted and salted pecans picked in GA. They tasted so good the best I have ever had. The card that came with it was really neat and it took a couple of readings before I realized it was not one of those fancy Hallmark Cards but rather a beautifully home made card. The KY trail angels had been at it again tooth paste, Miso soup, marathon bars, and a pair of clean hiker socks, didn't know my stinky socks could be smelled all the way down in KY Thank you so much for this neat surprise. One would think that the trail angels knew there were no grocery stores in Port Clinton. Thank you to all for the great surprises and all the wonderful food. Tricks then gave us some fuel and finally Dodger and I were on our way out of Port Clinton. I took it real slow as my knee was still sore. The first 6 miles went by fast but then it got more rocky and it was nice to take a rest at the Pulpit (A beautiful Rock over look from which you can see the Pinnacle). Another two slow miles and we stopped again this time at the Pinnacle. It is one of the best views from the AT in PA it ranks right up there with McAfee Knob. It was 18:30 and we had another 5 miles to go hopefully we would make it to the shelter before dark. I tried to make Dodger go on but he stayed with this slow wobbling turtle! I was so happy to see the shelter because by now my knee was really starting to hurt. Eckville turned out to be a "Hilton". It has four walls with bunk beds, a library, table, bench, electric lights, and a lounge chair inside. What really makes it stand out is the "privy" which is a real flush toilet. Dodger got water and I cooked dinner for both: Potato soup first then Mac & Cheese with sumnmer sausage to finish. I could barely stay awake to take the last bite. As I fell asleep I was so thankful for the Theragesic that Ed Burke had sent earlier as it dulled the pain in my knee.