(Daily Mi: 15.2) Very nice breakfast at the B&B with the Potato Man and Choo Choo. I had eggs *and* pancakes. Hiked a little hung-over today.

Typical 1500' climb out of town followed by a seemingly endless ascent of a boney ridge that, at least, paid off in a spectacular view from a spot known as the Pinnacle. Hike seemed to go on for ever though, and I was very glad to finally hit the road head and the Eckville shelter.

Like 501, Eckville adjoins a caretaker's home and is sited just off a rural road about a 0.1 mi off the Trail. The shelter itself was probably once a tool shed and is currently furnished with 8 bunks and a deck chair. There is a separate outbuilding with a flush toilet and solar shower. Sodas, sports drinks, candy and ice cream are kept in a refrigerator/freezer on the caretaker's porch and are available for honor system donations. Piper had already pitched his tent in spot across the road from the shelter.

A wonderful older lady named Songbird was in with her teenage grand daughter, Little Bear, and another friend her own age (early seventies as it would turn out). Songbird is sectioning the trail. They were out for twenty miles or so and had come about 6 miles back that day. She was a terrific old money liberal and we had a wonderful chat about the great evils of the current administration. Choo Choo came in just before sunset. Didn't see the Potato Man or Llamas.