Gosh, how to describe today’s trek to Wildcat Hollow? Most of the day was just lovely, but the end was quite difficult.
We were glad we holed up in the Burr Oak Lodge last night, as storms ripped through the area. In the morning we decided to do a two-part shuttle so the Eckerts’ car wouldn’t have to be near Mad Man all day. So we dropped my car at a boat launch near the lodge, then shuttled their car to Antle Orchard Road. From there, we began hiking eastbound.
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The first several miles of trail were O.K. There was a lot of water and mud from the rains, and a few steep climbs, but nothing too bad. We had to cross some railroad tracks and then clamber over a guardrail before entering Burr Oak.
Heading to Wildcat Hollow
The first section in Burr Oak was great – lots of views of the water, as the NCT winds all along its shore. There were a few blow-downs along the way, but nothing too bad.
When we reached my car, we picked up the Eckerts’ car, then drove it to our ending point in Wildcat Hollow. Then we began 
hiking backwards to conserve the most time. Almost immediately, the NCT directed us to a pretty deep river crossing with no bridge. No way. So we hopped onto the nearby Red Trail, which took us over the river via a bridge, then crossed paths with the NCT, which we hopped back on.
The bulk of the trail from Wildcat Hollow back to my car was pretty nice. While there were a lot of muddy spots from the rain, it was a gently rolling trail, which we really appreciated! We saw more of the scenery reminiscent of Old Man’s Cave – the caves and waterfalls.
Day Is Done
But the last few miles got quite steep once again. Our pace slowed. By the time we reached the Eckerts’ car, it was 6:30. We then had to grab my car and check in at our Burr Oak campsite, shower, etc. We didn’t get to eat dinner until 9 p.m. That’s too late!
I may have to cut the rest of my miles.
Snowshoe
Ohio NCT miles today: 16.9 (27.2 km)
Ohio NCT miles to date: 654.9 (1,054 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 3,502.6 (5,636.9 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 1,097.4 (1,766.1 km)
Most useful gear today: My sit pad, which allows me to eat lunch and my snacks comfortably on the ground. It also prevents my pants from getting wet and muddy.
