I slept crap, in fact I don’t think that I slept at all.
I emerged from my tent around 7 had a long wee then stripped down my tent.
I slowly hobbled back up to the shelter. hoisted my pack then set off back . up to the trail. The trail began by crossing several streams. My knees were groaning., but it was right knee that was giving me pain today. I was wearing my leggings and had not bothered with my knee supports.
I continued to hobble down the trail.the shuttle was due at 9.40 and so I had plenty of time. so no need to hurry.
The trail was actually very nice as I made my way along.I was shortly caught by 2 other hikers and we walked together.
The forests was very quite except for the sound of several woodpeckers who were busy at work. After about an hour I emerged at the road, where the shuttle should pick us up.
Also waiting here was creature ,. then Sunrise appeared, although he wanted to go on. but we convince him he would miss both shuttles.
The fare was 3 bucks to town bargain, as it was a long way to town.
Where do you want to go the driver asked ?
The Budget inn. please .
It was about 20 minutes before the driver cane to a stop, This is the Budget inn he shouted.
I grabbed my pack got off of the bus ,crossed the road and stood outside the motel.
Seconds later a man appeared , Do you have a vacancy for 2 nights ?
He did and as it was just me he gave me a discounted rate .
I wasn’t able to check in until 12 pm. although he said i could leave my pack in reception.
As i haven’t been out here long i didn’t want to let my pack out of sight so decided to take it with me and go in search of breakfast .
I found what i thought was a suitable place, or rather noticed the half-dozen packs all lined up outside. Once inside i noticed a table of 8 hikers so I asked if they minded me joining them?
I had just sat down when a steaming cup of coffee arrives. you ready Sir?
I ordered the house breakfast. Hash browns, 2 eggs sunny side-up, bacon and toast.
it’s not long till it arrives, and its not long until it’s in my belly..
As I eat my breakfast , my cup is constantly being refilled with coffee. a treat that doesn’t in the UK these days.
I wandered back and checked in, exploded my pack, stepped out if my clothes and got straight into the shower.
OMG. the hot water felt so good. and I emerged CLEAN.
My next chore was laundry. I changed into my spare gear before getting change for the washer , I found the machine and threw in my clothes before setting it in motion
my next job was the Post office as i wandered down the road Charlotte (Tank) commented on my outfit
It was further than i thought and I soon roasting in my puffy.
I patiently queued up until it was my turn Disaster!! There were no packages for me.
They needed my tracking number to locate them , Hopefully that is still in my possession .
I grabbed 2 boxes before walking back to my room ,its not a biggy I can get by. Once back I swapped over my washing to the dryer.before going in search of my tracking number / receipt . I eventually found it, but it was not in good shape.but I will worry about that tomorrow.
OKAY, laundry is done… Shopping next. I headed off to the shops.
Note. I have not into routine yet , so I brought far too much although I was resupplying for 10 days. I lugged my heavy bags outside and began to decant the boxes into zip-locks making the bags less bulky and lighter, before i headed back.
Phew it was hot and a long way back, Especially when carrying bags and your knees hurt.
Once back i assembled the PO boxes and began to split my food between them 2 x 3 days and a 4 day ,
I then had a missed call from Dan & Beth as they were at the brewery.
i texted them back that i was on my way.
But when i finally arrived they had already left. Tom (Magic) and Charlotte (Tank) were still here so I joined them and together we sampled many beers before Tyler (Tent-less) joined us we had several more ales before decided that we all needed food
WE found a restaurant called Root & Barrel Kitchen


The restaurant we found was great , we shared several starters fried artichokes and fried Brussels sprouts that came with bacon – goat cheese
Both very tasty , I then had a Blue Steak with Jacket potato again so tasty
It was fairly late and i was ready for bed , although my younger companions were going on to party, but I was done so headed to my bed
Start 102.3
Finish 105.7
Mileage 3.5
I know your knees are hurting, but that wonderful smile in the picture says a lot too
Hi Roger! You’re an inspiration! I met up with Louise and Hannah on Sunday (good ‘ole Staples days) and told them I had been reading your posts. How can we send you some provisions? How many days have you left? We want to send you something so let me know. Can email me: lindsaysearle@gmail.com.
Best of luck and KEEP CHEERY!