Tuesday 29th May.
I slept so well maybe it was the 6 pack of beer that helped. I finally emerged at 8.30 really late for me.
I walked over to the toilets then got my clothes out of the dryer. and my battery which was now fully charged.
The other hiker just returned from the garage after having breakfast. I decided to put my bag in the tumble for a few minutes while I had the opportunity, then I began to pack up but wasn’t really efficient this morning.
I made tea and instant oats
Then went to retrieve. my sleeping bag and phone. oh my bag was so lovely and all fluffy so that I had trouble getting it back into its stuff sack.
okay let’s go .
I walked back towards the garage. Robin hood was sat outside
“How are you” I asked?
As I sat down with him, a lady appeared and handed him a huge burger and chips and another burger to go.
Wow it looked so good so I ordered one too. It too shortly arrived and disappeared into my mouth. it was yummy.
Okay I better be going, it was almost a mile back to the AT along a busy road.
Once back I climbed the steps trying to avoid getting my feet wet.
the trail begins to wind it’s way up and then I reach a crossroads with signs pointing to a waterfall.
I try and do these extra trails as you never know what to expect. it was point -3 of a mile or point-6 to get back to the trail
I headed down the trail listening to the roar of the water get louder and louder.Then they appeared and wow they were very pretty and well worth the walk.I took a few photos thinking this must be a great place on a hot summers day .
i spent a few minutes before heading back upthe path and rejoining the trail .
As I hiked on the trail became marshsy and boggy such fun. I tried to avoid it for a while then gave up and decided to plough straight through
Splash ,splosh splash, some bits were like walking through tar and really sapped my energy . Arrrh. if it wasnt this crap then it was rock and if not rock it was roots Arrrh.
I was struggling today even though i had slept well and had a lie in, but I was sadly lacking energy .
I listened to my watch ping the hours, but i dare not look at my map. I entered and left forests,I pushed on through tunnels of rodadendroms and then back into sunlight at last it was 1pm that will do me for lunch.
I found a spot and relaxed took off my soaking wet shoes and socks. I squeezed out my socks they need rinsing as they are very gritty but a town is coming and I need a break.
I ended up taking a very long lunch break. .but then struggled to start hiking again .
I pushed on down the trail, I was trying to get to the second shelter, my goal for today but I was struggling . the trail was so rocky and being damp slippery, I hit the deck , the second time grazing my leg.
I let out a few obscenities, wiped myself down and carried on mumbling under my breath. I must of zoned out as I jumped as another hiker and his dog appeared in front of me.
“So sorry about” i said as I had shouted. FUCK, when he startled me.
He laughed as we pass.
It was now 5.30 and I was beginning to tire. I just wanted to get to the shelter and put my tent up. At last it came into view and wow what a great shelter, almost brand new . with a large deck and it was fairly empty so I am sleeping in tonight.
Happy feet then appeared from getting water.
We chatted as I put down my bedding then cooked together.
I like her as we can talk silly banter together and rip the piss out of each other .
After my brew and supper I went to hang my food but as Happy feet had already thrown her line so allowed me to add my bag to hers .
As we walked back we cahtted to another hiker, who had maged to get his line stuck in the tree. I went to se if i could help and was able to free it for him.
Once back at the shelter it was bed
Start 609
Finish 627
mileage 18 miles
Remaining 1563 Miles
