22 April. Hertleine Campsite (5 mi. Past Rt. 501 on ridge)

Warmer night last, mid 40s then sunny this morning followed by unforecast light rain in the afternoon.  High in low 60s.

The first time it rained, it did not look like much so we huddled under my poncho.  It rained lightly but the wind blew hard - we stayed mostly dry and it was over in 10 minutes.  The second time there were big, dark clouds so we did the full rain gear drill.  It rained hard all around us but only lightly, on and off, for 15 - 20 minutes on us.  The third time it rained, the sun was out.  We just kept walking in our hiking cloths.  It felt wonderful.

The knee was the big question this morning.  It felt good, actually no pain when we started.  But it did not last.  It began to hurt and I had a few mis-steps, but it stayed manageable.  Our goal was to make it to the 501 shelter (about 4.1 miles) and evaluate there.  We walked more slowly and carefully and made it in good time.  We decided to go on but first lunch....

The rumors are true!  You can get pizza at the 501 Shelter.  Wendy called the restaurant listed in the shelter.  They did not deliver but gave us the number of the place that does.  We had to walk about 500 feet out to highway 501 but the owner drove up and gave us a large pizza and two large cokes.  We went back to the shelter, sat at the indoor table,  under the octagonal skylight, and ate most of it.
After I rested and Wendy treated her blisters (see picture), we continued our hike to Hertleine Campsite (another 5.7 miles).  It took a while going slowly, so we arrived late but feeling much better than we do most days.  We were also still full so we skipped dinner.  The campsite is nice - between two streams and with a picnic table.

The rocky parts of the trail are getting more common, as predicted (see picture for an example).  Not good for our knees, ankles, and blisters.

We are sort of hiking with Box Man and Drifter.  We have stayed in the same sites but they are always nearby in their tents.  I wore the knee brace Box Man gave me and it helped a lot.  Tomorrow we all are  headed to Eagle's Nest then Saturday to Port Clinton for some rest and food.  That is the end of their section hike.