Bubbles Day 39 (Thursday, May 5th, 2016)

We woke up as happy as can be. The swallows were singing happily and twisting and flying around merrily.  Honestly, I wouldn't know what a swallow bird looks like or sounds like if it wasn't for Tricks. Thanks brother!

We had to go through our food drop and that was a pain.  After struggling for about 10 minutes Remedy walked over and easily got us organized and all packed up.  He let me use his toothpaste that he got over in India. It was all natural and pretty awesome.

Mountain Man and Karma came down to the pavilion and we all walked to breakfast together.  It was one of the best breakfasts I've ever had.  The portions were huge.  Our server was sweeter than cherry pie and the owner was friendly and actually took the time to come over and chat with us. I will remember his warm smile and friendly attitude for a long time. They make some wicked pancakes. I will be back someday just for that breakfast :)

Best breakfast I've ever had!

Reminds me of stories about Grandma Lipinski

After breakfast we went to the barber shop. Robby had been raving about it so I had to check it out. Man was he right.  It was totally full of customers waiting to get a cut and hikers. I waited and got another haircut.  I got the AT logo shaved into the back of my head.  What can I say? I'm nuts. :) After the haircut we took off for the shelter. 

Barbershop!!

AT on my head!!

Sprout in the pavilion

Large pile of rocks

Mountain Man, Bubbles, Sprout, and Karma on the trail

It was a steep climb out of Port Clinton but not nearly as steep as the hike into town.  Our packs were heavy but our hearts were light. Port Clinton is great and it was amazing to catch up with friends like Tricks. The hike was pretty amazing today.  I saw so many lovely birds. I saw a huge woodpecker. I swear it was just staring at me. There were all kinds of little animals on the trail today. Chipmunks and rabbits. I saw a deer but what stuck out the most was the birds.  So many birds singing happily. It made my day. If I was a bird I would probably be a whip-poor-will. They are annoying and very happy in the early am. Just like me! Ha!

When we arrived at the shelter we laughed and chatted with Karma, Mountain Man, and our friend Marshall.   He’s another flipflop hiker who started in Harper's ferry.  There was also a section hiker from Jersey who had a lovely French accent.  I loved it.  It was great to hear stories of Mountain Man and Karma’s adventures over in India. They have lived a very exciting life.  We are so lucky to be around them.  Mountain Man played the harmonica and my heart singed with happiness. I love the harmonica and I love live music. I hope he does this every night. He is good and it made me happy. I was also so happy for Karma. She got new shoes and her feet felt much better.  Walking miles and miles with gear on your back with achy feet sucks (I know trust me) so it made me so happy to know she wasn't suffering anymore. Yayyyy.  Hopefully my feet will feel better soon, too.  :)

965.7 miles to Katahdin

Furnace Creek Watershed

Still a little foggy

Site of Windsor Furnace Circa 1745-1883

Trail marker

Yep, the trail is right up these rocks!