July 5, 2004

Since the post office was closed today, due to the 4th of July holiday, I wasn't able to pick up my maildrop.  I plan to stay in Port Clinton until Wednesday morning.  A man named Fred shuttled Bear and me to the trail near Hawk Mountain.  From there, we hiked southbound 15.9 miles back into Port Clinton.  This gave me a chance to hike without losing a second day in town.  It also gave me a chance to greet my hiker friends headed northward.  As I did, they all told me about a cliff-swimming hole shortly before I would hike into town.  I hiked down the path towards the cliff, but opted not to jump off.  The lines were long and I wasn't confident that the water was deep enough or that underwater currents didn't exist.

So...I hiked into town and located Bear at the local candy store where several hikers were gathered.  A candy store to hikers is heaven on earth! This particular store has been in business for generations and I slowly walked down each aisle eyeing every sugar and chocolate candy available. I wanted a little bit of everything!  I purchased some root beer Twizzlers, Necco Wafers, and Mountain Dew.  Bear and I then hitched a ride to the Microtel and walked across the street to the massive Cabela store.  I enjoyed seeing the huge stuffed bears, moose, deer, beavers, and elk.  I cannot believe that I will likely see the moose further north.  They are HUGE and aggressive.  I need to get mentally psyched for that possibility. We each had the dinner buffet at Cabela's.  I was asleep by 10:00 p.m.