Date: 2015-05-31
From: Eagles Nest Shelter 

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I am anxious to get into town today so I started hiking extra early. Cookie Monster was the only other hiker from the shelter on the trail before me. He had a big 25 mile day, and I only had nine. I took off after jokingly confirming I was on the correct blue blazed trail that was 3/10 mile from the white blazed AT. After turning right and half a mile later I saw a road crossing that looked like the same one I had crossed getting to the shelter yesterday afternoon. I was anxious about going the wrong way because Little Prince and I were planning to catch a ride into town together, and I didn't want to make him wait for me. Confused, I turned around and went back to the turnoff for the shelter and started in the opposite direction, still feeling disoriented and not sure which way was north. Everything looked the same this morning. Every rock, every fallen tree, every wet shrub brushing against my legs and even every flower. It was a sinking feeling and I was really doubting the sensibility of someone with my directional challenges hiking a 2185 mile footpath. Fortunately Little Prince showed up behind me soon. What a big sense of relief that I was going the right way.The trail was rocky as usual but again felt like we were making better time than expected. This is a real confidence booster for me on the occasions this happens. We were enjoying a short break on a sprawling outcropping of rocks with a breeze and view when Cookie Monster came up behind us. We were confused and surprised to see him behind us because he is a very fast hiker and has been on the trail since Georgia. He had gone four miles out of his way in the wrong direction from the shelter. Poor guy had been in such a hurry he didn't recognize anything. He decided to shorten his day and meet a friend in Port Clinton. I really felt for him, but it did make me feel less down on myself for what I did.The last mile was a 1000 foot decent into town and was very steep and scary at parts for me. The trail was wet and had very little to grip onto. I am learning to hike sideways in these conditions to help prevent a fall and slide. Well, I eventually fell anyway but not forward this time. Too scared to get up I just scooted down on my butt for awhile. I guess it wasn't too bad since I was laughing on the way down.We walked to the Port Clinton Hotel which has an incredible restaurant for such a small town of 400 people. We got there at 11:30 and had already hiked 9 miles. I ordered a Pina Colada and a bowl of some of the best tasting lobster bisque ever. Then for my meal I had the largest Philly cheese steak I had ever seen. Three people could have eaten it and been full. I felt like I was in a state of bliss after my day so far. A very nice local gave us a ride to the Microtel where Little Prince and I are sharing a room. It is very common for hikers to share accommodations in town to save on expenses. My long hot shower was such a luxury. Life on the trail really makes one appreciate things normally taken for granted. Now, for a nap and then to check out Pappy T's, a bar and Restaurant on site. Looking forward to my shopping trip to Cabella's and Walmart tomorrow.