Port Clinton, PA (USA)

It was raining pretty hard so I stayed at the hotel until around noon - still needed the rest anyway... Then I drove about 20 miles east to the AT trailhead on PA-61. Got started up a varsity hill by 1245 (wow - glad I didn't see this yesterday!). Stopped several times to talk to the NOBO through hikers - had a great chat with Osha and Hot Wheels. The trail was rocky, muddy and narrow (surrounded by briars). Overall, very frustrating! Glad I didn't plan a lot of miles... From time to time, I saw more of the beautiful mountain azaleas I've been encountering each time I've hiked on Blue Mountain since May. I also saw small rodents, who's seemed startled at my presence on the overcast and misty day. When I turned around at the Shartlesville-Cross Mountain Road, I decided to walk on a gravel road that I'd crossed several times (my feet needed a break from the uneven steps). This added a bit to the distance but got me back more quickly. Back on the AT, the downhill hike to my car was harrowing - glad I didn't fall! On the way back to my hotel in Pine Grove, I pre-paid some trail magic by shuttling a through hiker to his lodgings in Hamburg. Logged about 15 miles in six hours. Very sore - but I think I've got some more in the tank yet! One more day until I've got to go back to the old grind... AT Today = 6.91 miles / G.T. = 453.21 miles.