For those that don’t know a  what a Nero. It  is low or little mileage.
I set the alarm for 6.30 as I was expecting a long road walk. When it went off I dozed for few minutes before springing into action . I retrieved my food bag from the tree assembled my stove and put on  a brew .
As the  water  heated, I began to dismantle my tent and pack up. when i was packed  i  slurped my tea  before clipping my mug  onto to my pack and walk g back towards the car park.
I  had just arrived when Big Red appeared.
‘Hey where were you ?’ I asked
We decided to walk down the  dirt track hoping that it would take us to Hot spring’s. Soon the dirt track turned into tarmac and we began to see houses and several dogs came out to check on us.
As we wandered along I noticed several men chatting.
‘Excuse me sir is this the way to hot springs? I  called
“Yes it is but it’s a shitty road to walk on,would you like a ride?”
“Yes please” we both replied.
We  walked over  to  his  home,
“Come  in i  have  just a few things  to  do first”  he  said
the House looked  fabulous  from the outside , but  inside  it was pilled  high  with  “STUFF”
He  made us coffee while  we  waited ,  then  we  were in  his pickup heading to town.
Imdeed  the road  was very twisty  and  no  hard sholder  and  so  yes  it  would  of been suidal  to  walk down this  road .
WE asked  if we could be  dropped at  the motel  , but when we arrived  it  lloked closed and deserted and  because there ws a huge music  festival on tha=is weeekend  every where appeared booked up.
He drove us around town looking for somewhere for us to stay, we stopped at the hostel  but  that was fully booked  too  so we had to put our names on a list  and  come back later .
Okay  boys  shalll i drop you somewhere for  breakfast ?
He droped  us off at the ‘dinner’  we promptly  dropped our  packs  outside on the porch and  went inside  where we could  see Tentless and Magic  sat  eating breakfast so we   joined them
I ordered the fried steak breakfast with hash browns eggs, biscuits and gravy . god it was so good.

Once fed I headed to the Post office to send some excess gear up the trail.
as i walkd  through town  it was good to see so many  familar faces , and  every  now and  then i had to stop to  chat, catch up on gossip and to   find  out where people are staying .
I arrived at the post office and  sorted through my  pack  and  boxed up my unwanted  gear, I  ws  just  finishing off when Jess appeared   so  i  had  to sort  for  more gossip lol.

Once  i had  finished i made myway  back  through town and standing outside the Liquer store  was  the  Tarzan, Whitety , Tank and  Her Dudness, hey  guys  i said  and  where are you staying ?

As  they had only  just  arrived  they  were not  sure .
I  needed somewhere to stya  so  set  off back  up  the stepp hill to the hostel.
When I arrived  i was informed that there may be a bunk but I will. need to wait, but I was allowed to take a shower and put my name on the list to do laundry.
The shower was amazing  oh so good, it was so lovely  to  be clean.
Jeff appeared (the owner) and said I could sleep in the chapel.
I quickly grabbed my pack and followed him. over  to where the chapel was, It was  roomy and had air-con.
I dumped my pack then set up my pad and sleeping bag.

Once settled I walked back over to the hostel and sat in the sun with over hikers.
Okay time to resupply I went to the “Outfitter” first as j wanted gas and a new dry bag. I brought some bits but was shocked when the bill came to $75, and I had not got a lot. in my basket . I  headed back  through town as i was still  short  of several bits  and  went  into  the other store , dam this shop was much cheaper so should have come here first oh well  live and  learn.
Lastly I need  beer so  visited the Liquor store to grab some beer. I stareing mindlessly at  the rows and bottles and  can . As  i didnt know what to choose .
FInally   a assistant came to my  aid  and  helped me  choose , I went  for a case (6)   and  a case of  xxxx Before starting the steep climb back to the Hostel.
Once back I dropped my stuff in the chapel and sorted through my food ditching the box’s and cartons before  rejoining  the group at the hostel.
i  found a comfy  chair    and  opened a beer  just as the heavens opened and it began to pour, and pour  i  felt  sorry  for all the campers who  were in the field , WE  continued sheltering under the porch enjoying each  others company and  drinking beer  untill the sun  returned

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/cinco-de-mayo

I learnt, Today  May the 5th ,  Is in Cinco de Mayo Day it a Mexican celebration that everybody enjoys so Jeff the owner begins to make margaritas and then food appears tacos chilli and salads and it’s all free fantastic and so tasty.
What a great evening. some of the guys organise table cup ping-pong ( can’t remember its correct name)
The night is finished off with Karaoke and I sing dreadfully
luckily  there is no  evidence !!

Night all

Start
Finish 273.4
mileage  miles
Remaining 1917 Miles