Twenty-four long miles today, ending with a hell-bending descent into Port Clinton. Wings & Hoplite as well as Feather, Packrat and Mad German were great company through the long day. I played story and word games with Wings and Hoplite and the miles flew by.

By the time I’d hit the 16 mile mark, however, I was slumping. The shoes are still breaking in and my feet were screaming.

Hoplite and I were both feeling tired so we agreed to split a hotel room in order to get a shower, but then were disappointed to find that there weren’t any available! We were in the dumps. The town of Port Clinton has a 80′ by 40′ pavilion available for thru-hikers to camp in, but I was still disappointed.

Then we found Peanuts, the candy store in town. Jelly Bellies! All of them! I made a great mix (Juicy Pear is my favorite) and moved onto the Restaurant & Bar with a smile on my face. After a huge taco salad, a pile of fries and a couple of beers, life was great again! Some great conversation with Wings certainly helped as well.

With 23 miles behind me, tomorrow is a free day. Whether I make 7 or 15 miles it does not matter—anything works for me. Time to read a bit more of ‘The Tao of Pooh’ eat a few more Jelly Bellies and crash like a rock…