6th May 2018

After a very late night of karaoke I woke in the night and needed the loo so walked back over to the Hostel, not realising that there were  toilets in the chapel. O my way I met a skunk, who made me jump as he scuttled along in front of me
I eventually  woke at  7. but dozed till 8.30.
Okay I really need to ‘re organize my pack and so  I emptied the entire  contents  out all over the floor, stared at it for 5 minutes for  beginning to  sort through my gear  and  then replaced it back into my pack.
“You heading out Snail” asked a few of my buddies.
even though it was still raining i was keen  to  crunch  some miles .
“I am thinking about it” I replied, hoisting my pack and grabbing my trash and headed out of the chapel and back to the hostel. I was greeted by my fellow hikers who were Sat outside. Tarzan had a jar of pickled green beans
“Try one snail! he said offering me the jar
They were actually really good, so I had a few more.
I dumped my rubbish and refilled my water bladder then  I was ready.
I hoisted my pack and was just leaving when  several of my friends asked me  what I was shooting for.  (what mileage )
“First shelter 10 ish miles”  I replied.
I set off down the steep hill towards  town. It had rained earlier  so everything was still damp.
I made my way through town passing by a restaurant advertising great breakfasts. There were several hikers sat outside, and the waft of food was very  tempting but it was  11 am and I wanted  to  bank some miles. At the en d of town I crossed over the railway,  just past the tracks was were the music festival was held.
There were monstrous camper vans leaving so it was very busy. as  I followed the road that eventually  crossed over the river.  This  is  where I  rejoined the trail.
Once across the bridge  the trail  decent down to  the river, I followed the river for several miles before  turning sharply  left and  up. The trail imeaditalyy began to climb and  steeply , In places I had to pull my self up  but wow what amazing views of the town .
I continued on and up then the rain returned but only fine drizzle. although the wind was chilly. The rain then began to get heavier  and  then  there were rumbles of thunder. Maybe i am a bit reckless  but  several  hikers  decided to  turn around and  get  off of  the mountain as  they  were very afraid of the lightning .
I pushed on  and continued climbing  as the rain lashed  down, at  last  I  began to descend  but  due to  the rain  very slippery especially  the  steep parts

I pushed on and on crunching miles, at last the sun returned  and the temperatures quickly begun to rise  especially as I was now beginning to climb once again .
I was pushing but the time seemed to be slowing down or maybe  yesterdays  late night of karaoke was having its effect and so I decided to stop for lunch.
I enjoyed a few  snacks and my rest, before   returning back to the trail
I pushed on and  continued climbing , I spent the next few  hours  climbing .
At last I began to hear voices  and  then the shelter came into view . THere were about a dozen tents dotted around  the shelter, bear  lines and more tents  upon a small hill.

I walked up the hill and  scanned the area, found a spot   and  dumped  my  gear.
Where’s the water I asked
it’s a fair  way  so get plenty came  the replies ,
So  I took my bladder and bottles  and  yes it was a longish walk down hill.
Once back I  began to put up my tent ,I  put down the footprint, then emptied out my tent. Fuck bollocks I have no tent stakes. .
Dam I must have left them in the Chapel at Hot-Springs , although i went  through all of  kit guess

My tent is free-standing but I like to peg it out. I managed to beg 2 stakes off of other hikers  and pegged out the rest  with sticks and stones
I was just chilling  when Jess and Dan appeared,  and they set up their tents by mine
There was about 20  tents around us by the time  we cooked dinner . It was nice to  have their company  ,as we chatted  together until  it was time for bed.
But  first I needed to hang my food, As there were so many  people here the bear lines were packed and almost needed two people  to hoist  them up and down.
Once  that was done I got into my  tent and caught  up on my journal.

I lay on my pad and began writing then drank my beer that I carried out then it was bed  time.

Start 273.4
Finish 284.4
mileage 11 miles
Remaining 1906 Miles