Date: 2008-07-16
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

I took my time packing up and eating before I checked out. It still was only 07:28 when I reached the trail again. It wound around through some woods, under an overpass, then back across the hill directly across from the hotel. Only by now I had gained a lot of elevation. It was a rocky climb up to Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. Although it would have been a good spot, I didn't stop for lunch. A little later I heard voices then saw several small groups of teenagers in uniform. They were part of the Civil Air Patrol doing training. I appreciated their discipline as I was referred to as sir, each time I spoke to them.Just ahead I nodded hello to two men. They called me over to offer me some juice and a sandwich. While we were speaking, they noticed the Special Forces insignia on my ring. The commanders Dave & Paul whom had a colorful military background as well, began talking with me like we were old friends. It felt good to share stories with people who could relate with similar backgrounds. Just talking about past parachute jumps alone was enjoyable.Sometimes it is difficult to share certain experiences with people who have not experienced the same. Much like hikers & non Hikers, the latter are just unable to appreciate it the same way.I forgot to mention, prior to this as I was walking, I tripped and fell on the trail landing on my pack. As soon as I hit the ground, there was the unmistakable sound of a rattler. I quickly looked left to right, and saw nothing in the immediate, then got to my feet pronto!Just then I saw this 3-1/2 ft. rattler elongated just at the edge of the trail among the sparse plants. I was able to get some pictures and was happy that I could take them without him being coiled. In most rattler pictures the snake is irritated from being messed with and is only seen coiled. Soon Jake & I parted and went our seperate ways.I wasn't far from the Eckville shelter, I could see the road that I would have to walk to get there. I decided to kick back leaning against a tree just off the trail and wait for Sprite & Freckles. Just before drifting off into a light nap, "Medium Rare" had passed, said hello and was moving on.Eventually they arrived and we walked down the road to a house which was owned by the ATC. The bunkhouse in the back was the shelter, there was a seperate little buiding that had a shower and a toilet. Across the street in a mowed field were tent platforms.The caretaker was named Mick. He was a former thru-hiker from 1997. He offered us a couple of beers and became an instant friend. John & kelly were here waiting for "Party Animal" to pick them up. They were both slak packing in opposite directions. One drops the other off, drives to another location, hands over the key when passing on the trail and waits to be picked up at the other end.New faces here are Mother Maple & her two daughters, Jam & Lily. They are from Alberta Canada. Tenting across the street with us is Bulldog, "Y" & "Vigil Auntie". These 2 ladies are quite enjoyable and made for good neighbors. Also here were "Achilles" & "Tail Gate", I met them last night in Port Clinton.Tonight is another hot one, It is expected to drop to the mid 70's at some point. The cool relief can't come fast enough.