This is pretty much the look and mood of the day as I started NOBO from Rt 309. Cold. Wind. Snow. Cool!

I really like winter hiking. NO TICKS! That is the best. Those little buggers are always on my mind. Besides that, no gnats, mosquitos, snakes or sweat!

Hiking was either easy flat fire road or crazy rocks! My first and second time across Knife’s Edge. It is really cool up there. I just had to take my time. 

As you can see, the rocks are just sitting up there! I stored my poles and crawled across. Loved it.

From there it was more rocks and less Trail for a while then fire road. 

I came across a guy working at his phone and said hi as I approached so as not to disturb him. I passed and some yards down the trail, he silently came up next to me! Strange at first but as we talked we found out how much we had in common. Cycling. Lyme Disease. He had chronic Lyme for 18 years and got cured out in the West Coast! We went passed his car and up to Bake Oven Knob. Stunning spot!

As you can see, he took this one. I CRAWLED out there. There’s nothing but air under that rock I’m on! The view is greater than 180 degrees and spectacular. Even on a clowdy day.

We exchanged numbers for future hikes and off he went. Another Trail experience. They just keep coming.

Meanwhile, my SA friend Kelly had been at Back Oven earlier in the day! I thought she would be through there by now. She didn’t want to do Knife’s Edge in the wind and snow. She had fallen earlier on her thru hike and ended up in hospital with a concussion. Smart not to take any chances. Those are my two worries out on the Trail always, injury and water. Patience in the rocks is critical for me. 

Just a little snow left as I finished my 10.6 mile day.

I need another overnight. Maybe Friday into Saturday. Port Clinton SOBO.

Still in love with the Trail. I have met the best people. It’s brings a peace into me to be out there. Then the peace leaves and I go back to the other me.

I am two distinct people now. The dreamer and the pragmatist.

I am learning.  So much.