We knew it was going to rain again today during our trek between Stockport and Hackney, plus at night. We had reservations at Wolf Run State Park, but had no desire to set up camp and sleep in rain. So last night we booked rooms at the Baymont Inn in Marietta, Ohio. They were very inexpensive via some Expedia sale ($20!).
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After packing up from our lovely AirBnB in McConnellsville, we dropped one car in Stockport and one in Hackney and began hiking backwards.
Making Our Way from Hackney
We enjoyed maybe 30 minutes of dry hiking before it began to sprinkle. Today’s hike was all on roads, so we thought at least that would help with the rain. Wrong! Almost immediately, we came across two areas where the gravel road is replaced by a concrete slab over a waterway. With all of the rain, the water was cascading over the concrete.
So twice, we had to stop and take off our shoes and socks and gaiters to wade through the water coursing over the concrete. Annoying, to say the least, but that’s hiking in the spring.
A Downpour
After making it through lunch with lots of rain, but nothing significant, it began to pour. I took out my hiking umbrella and used that to protect me from the elements. It’s not ideal, as I have to hold it in one hand and just use one trekking pole in the other. But it sure helped me from getting swamped. (There is a way to tie it to yourself, but I haven’t yet mastered the knots.)
We did enjoy one spot, where someone’s home was festooned with all sorts of road signs. It got really windy, which helped dry 
our clothes a little bit.
We made it back to Stockport mid-afternoon, then had to pick up the other car and head to Marietta.
Enjoying Marietta
The Baymont is an inexpensive motel, but this one is quite nice. Yes, the furniture is shabby. But it’s clean and warm and we have showers and tubs. The three of us went out to a Mexican place for our last night together. The food was surprisingly not great, but we still had fun.
Snowshoe
Ohio NCT miles today: 13.7 (22.1 km)
Ohio NCT miles to date: 699.1 (1,125.1 km)
Total NCT miles to date: 3,546.8 (5,708 km)
Total NCT miles to go: 1,039.5 (1,672.9 km)
Most useful gear today: My Six Moon Designs hiking umbrella, which has helped me so often over the years.
