Port Clinton, PA (USA)

[with temps expected in the low 90s, I got up really early (0500) and, subsequently, got a really early start (0600) from the AT trailhead this morning (possible because I stayed the night a few miles away). Headed NOBO from Port Clinton, crossing PA-61 and climbing up another mountain as the sun was rising. Saw lots of wildlife (deer, rabbits, heron, etc.) but only encountered tents and hammocks with sleeping hikers for nearly my entire outbound leg. The weather was pleasant and I made good time to the overlook I targeted. View was awesome! Got the unexpected additional bonus of visiting the Pulpit Rock Astronomical Observatory (pointed out by two kids to said they spent the night stargazing there). After resting a bit, I headed back to the west. Saw many more people (mostly day hikers) and encountered various degrees of unleashed dogs all the way back. Heard the noise of the highway below almost all day. The much higher temperature by this point made the going much slower and I blew through my three liters of water before I finished the 15+ mile hike (around 1:00). Luckily, I was close to my car - but I had my new pump/filter, just in case... Very sweaty, tired and sore - but ready for more hiking tomorrow! - after reaching my car again, drove up PA-61 to Pottsville to find the Yuengling Brewery - missed the last tour, but found out that I could enter the sampling room with permission from gift shop employees (well worth the effort) - later, drove back to Hamburg and had an early dinner at Wendy's (1525) - after that, went across PA-61 to walk around in Cabella's (it was nice to be back) - decided to drive back to Myerstown to stay in the Travel Inn again - beat and tired - bed a bit later, though... AT Today = 7.51 miles / Grand Total AT = 469.53 miles]