Tuesday 21st August

I was up and out as I needed to get to north Compton Post office as I had stupidly sent a package there and hadn’t the cell service to change it.
The slog up the side trail that I went down last night was a struggle . How I walked down it in the dark last I don’t know. It seemed to take me ages to get back to the Hut.

I went inside got my book stamped refilled with water then re-joined the trail.
The start was a climb up Mt Monroe, and it was rock, and it was steep. The soles of my feet were sore from yesterday so ached as I walked hopefully, I can block that out .
As I climbed the views were amazing, but it was a tough climb. I was following the Cairns, but it was still hard trying to plot my route to the next cairn. I was soon puffing and panting . But the views were amazing , typically Mt Washington was clear in the distance.

At last I reached the summit and wow what a view . I stood on the top for several minutes just staring at the amazing views. But I was on a tight schedule as I needed to get go the post office.

I headed down or rather to the ridge. The views were stunning and I was just amazed at their beauty. I stumbled and hesitated my way down to a flat surface.

As I began to reach the tree line, I met an Australian south bounder called shield maiden that made me smile as it’s a term from. Vikings that was  one of my favourite tv programs.
At last I was off the rocks and began to head down into the trees .
I hadn’t gone far until I ran into Passenger, Sir Dancealot, bleep and Ossie. We exchanged verbal insults as they were slackpacking south as we continued our way. Next i ran into the commander and Wander Woman Wander Woman gave me advice about the trail.

At last the trail became less rocky and I was able to get some speed up or rather I thought I was faster.

come on snail I urged my way on as I wouldn’t be at the trail head until 1.30 then I had a double hitch .
I was still heading down, but I thought I was going good on time. I crossed several creeks as I continued down from. Monroe. I then came to a large creek. I crossed over using a suspension bridge

I was busy stomping down the trail when I came snagged on a branch stupidly, I wrenched free, only to find that it was my tent stuff sack that’s caught so it was now ripped in two and my tent fluttered out behind me. I was more concerned that in May of ripped my tent, so I had to stop to I investigate.
Luckily not .I carried out a quick repair / bodge on my tent bag then I was on my way.
I shortly emerged onto a road. shall I hitch . As I pondered a forestry car appeared and stopped so I asked the driver for advice on how to get to the post office. He recommended continuing to Pickcom Notch.
As  I pushed on i began began to see people which meant that I was close.
Soon I was there, I went inside to grab a soda. outside was pippin and Sparks

I gave the normal abuse then headed for the road and to hitch to North Compton
It was 10 minutes before I had a ride ,the guy was an all-round dude. hiker, surfer, skier etc. he made me feel quite dull .as he was my age May be older, but a great car companion. He ended up dropping me at the post office. I grabbed my new Snozzel bag from Xped posted my tourist stuff up the trail , then headed back to the road. my driver suggested that I walk to the next set of lights then hitch.

It worked  a lady stopped, she was retired and had just been fishing
As we drove, she said bugger my golf has been cancelled so  I might as well take you to Gorham. As originally, she was going to drop me off at the road junction.
Where do you want to go, she asked…?
I wasn’t sure so got out my phone. The Hostel. I said.
It’s right there she said pointing to the right.
She dropped me right outside the hostel.

I thanked her and lugged my pack. Up the driveway.
I pushed the bell.
Do you have a bed I asked?
Sorry we are full.
Fuck.it I thought…….Do you have tenting?
Yes, I have tenting .
Okay then that would be good, do you have a bed for tomorrow ?
Yes, I do .
Great so I booked in and paid.
I quickly put up my tent and relaxed.
Once settled in  I then walked to the Post office and picked up my
On the way back I got some snacks for tea and beer.
Once back I sorted through my stuff. The relaxed in the barn with my fellow hikers and relaxed.

Start. 1864
Finish. 1871
Miles. 7