I did not get too far today. I only hiked 10 miles to Mount Vernon.
Jody's housemates, Pete and Judy, made a big breakfast this morning. We all sat down and enjoyed it. It was nice chatting with everyone and it was a great sendoff. Before I left Stonehaven Farm I got a quick tour of their facility and checked out their miniature horses. They were so cute.
The weather was better today. It was cold this morning but the sun came out and it warmed up quickly.
I followed the Heart Of Ohio Trail to Mount Vernon. It continued to be a nice trail. A few miles of it are still unpaved. It was nice hiking on the grass. I encountered a fellow who was walking two dogs. He said to me "you better enjoy it." I thought he was referring to the weather so I replied "yes, it is a beautiful day." He said "No, I mean the trail. They are going to pave it soon. Those yuppies like their concrete and asphalt." I nodded my head in agreement as I passed by. I thought he was being snarky but he had a point. Paving a trail might make it easier for some trail users (those who use wheels) but it does make it more difficult for other trail users (those who use legs). It would be nice if the trails could have an unpaved lane too for runners, hikers and horse riders.
I arrived in Mount Vernon about 300pm. Mount Vernon is the biggest town I have hiked through yet except for Cincinnati and Columbus. It was a little too large for a hiker and all of the downtown restaurants were closed on Sunday. It was a two mile trek across town from where the Heart Of Ohio Trail ended and the Kokosing Gap Trail began.
When I got to the Kokosing Gap Trail I developed a case of the lazies. I did not feel like hiking anymore today. I gave Bruce "Poppie" Purdy a call. He was in the area and picked me up. We will spend the night on his grandfather's farm outside of town. The home is a former one room school house. It is very nice and cozy.
