Derrick Earls, More Heart than Scars tackle the AT together and in Spirit!: Day 71, July 25, 2014

Cindy and Todd's son Bryce and his friend Alex dropped us off at Port Clinton for a slackpack. They took us by the grocery for snacks on the way. We bought them a candy bar and Gatorade each. This was us trying to show our appreciation for the ride. They were headed back to Temple University. They had just graduated and were finishing some things up there.

We hiked down to Port Clinton .2 miles south on the AT to grab water. We met up with tons of friends and shared our motivation to get to Maine. Yukon and I had realized this as a pivotal point to start moving if we wanted to complete Maine by early October. I was able to share my message with friends and let them know that ima be slightly selfish and refocus back on my initial goal. It is easy for others to hold ya back because you do enjoy good company, but I've done a good job of steering clear of that for the most part.

I also saw Joe and Catherine. We have been hiking separately for awhile. Once they get to Delaware Water Gap they are flipping up to Maine. It was a positive interaction and again you have to hike your own hike. We should still hit the south together.

Yukon and I headed north. The Pinnacle was gorgeous. They have a place called Hawk Mountain. Here they have a wind pattern that produces the World's largest raptor migration each year. Approximately 20,000+ hawks, eagles, etc. wait for the perfect wind pattern to fly south. I saw my first copperhead here. The head was copper and he was coiled up between two rocks about three inches apart. I pushed him on so know one would get bit. A guy tried to grab his tail before he left for the rocks. Definitely was not a smart approach to trying to pick him up. I gave my buddy some advice to quit playing with fire. Most importantly I'm trying to steer clear of being in a situation where someone gets bit!

We made it to Eckville Shelter. Cindy and Todd used to run the hostel while they were saving money and continuing sustainable education. Todd picked us up and returned us to their house. We met Mary Alice who is Cindy's rock star friend. She works at Johns Hopkins University as a prestige editor. Her company was much appreciated and she was a hoot!

Can I just say the dinner was authentic and savory? Todd had forged a Dutch oven metal rack and they were cooking a chicken soup. The chicken soup was comprised of chicken, celery, carrots, onions and kale (of which the onions and kale were fresh from the garden). The appetizer was delicious avocado dip, grapes and cherries. Yukon and I assisted with shucking corn. Todd boiled the corn while Cindy manned the Dutch oven.

We said a blessing and enjoyed our dinner and company outside. Todd brought out candles and it was picture perfect. Mary Alice and Todd completed the dishes and we assisted with other chores. The night was summed up by great company and me asking Todd a million questions. I'm ready to work towards a greater lifestyle much similar to theirs! Todd thoroughly walked me through log building and other unique projects.

We said our goodnights, gave hugs and Yukon and myself stayed in "Cindy's Cabin." What a treat that was.

14.8 AT miles complete.