Tuesday 14th Aug

I had just finished packing when a lady hiker came past. so I fell in behind her

I could of made the shelter last night as it was only another 1.5 miles. but then that makes everything late. I followed her up.the climb until she said she needed a break .
See you up there l I said and pushed on
The trail was nice with switch backs but they soon stopped and the climbing began . it was a hands needed climb. and not that well blazed, where next? this way . I scrambled up and was looking forward to the view…
But sadly there was none just fog and more fog.

I stood staring into the gloom . Okay snail let’s go I pushed on or rather I would if I knew where I was going. luckily a SOBO appeared out of the mist The next few hours were a combination of bouldering and climbing up and down up and down..
Suddenly I began to hear lots of cheering and shouting. maybe it’s a swimming hole. But when I emerged onto a road it made sense. It appeared to be a large sports ground and the kids were playing footie or similar.
I walked a short way down the road in the opposite direction, then began my next climb.I pushed on as I wanted to get to at least 12.30 before stopping for lunch As I emerged out onto another road I heard
Would you like a cold beer?
Yes please I said looking around and seeing an old chap sat by his pickup truck.

I dropped my pack and walked over.
Beers are in the cooler he said
I reached over and grabbed a can then sat on his tailgate as I sipped it as I chatted to him.
He was up from Florida visiting friends at a hostel.
she suggested that I stop by.
I hadn’t looked that far ahead , it sounded a great place.
I thanked him for the beer and set off back up trail.
He said the hostel was approx 9 ish miles
That would work, I said to myself.

As I hiked on my tummy began to rumble as I hadn’t eaten yet.I remembered that I had snacks in my pocket.
At 4 pm I decided to take a break and found a great rock. I dropped my pack took off my socks and shoes to air my feet.
I attacked my snacks . as I sat relaxing a hiker couple came past who I hadn’t seen before.
I took 20 minutes before moving off. Okay snail 4 miles to go or 2 hours. I put my headphones on found some music and zoned out . It wasn’t long until I was standing at the road. I needed to go right for .25 of a mile.
I hadn’t walked far when a large black people carrier stopped it was the Boston hiker whose name I still don’t know .Do you know him his dad said who was driving .

I chucked my pack in the back and jumped in .It wasn’t far to the hostel
As we drove in, sat in front on a picnic bench was Short mile and Sasquatch.
Bloody he’ll guys great to see you
I thanked Boston’s Dad then walked into the hostel
The care taker handed me some linen then walked me around the place.
I was in the new Bunk room which I thought was amazing . Almost palatial. it had only just been built as it smelled of fresh pine. I grabbed a upstairs bunk and unpacked .
I walked back to the hostel as there was a village run. or rather great food and beer run.

We got dropped at the store. I ordered a hiker burger, Strawberry milkshake and fries. Then walked to the shop and brought a few snacks and beer.Once back at the hostel I set to work on my burger, it was massive and I didn’t really need the chips.
Once my dinner was eaten I did laundry then jumped into the shower. It was so nice to be clean with clean clothes.
I joined the other hikers outside and relaxed drinking beer and chatting about the trail.
At 9pm I went inside where some hikers were watching the Big Lebowski.
A great film ..Once over i turned in

Start. 1776
Finish. 1792
Miles. 16
Miles to go 398