Sunday 26th August

I emerged from my tent on the second alarm and carried out the normal drill,  loo,  retrieve food bag pack up, make tea hike out. I wanted to be on trail by 6.30 and no later than 7. so I was on time .

I did the usual first climb then it was level for a while then down steep down and there were several ladders . I stopped to let a faster hiker past he was an Aussie out with his son, we followed each other and chatted as we hiked . the trail still continued down and was very shitty. We stood aside to let another hiker up .
Enjoy the rocks he called out as he passed.
This meant nothing to me.
UNTILL we arrived at the rocks ! WTF!!!!!

Welcome  to Mahoosuc Notch  (the hardest Mile  on the AT)

It is approximately a mile of huge boulders. some you go over some you go under.
I removed my pack so I could strap my poles on (you don’t or can’t use poles for this).
Next tighten every thing as if you lose it you will not be getting it back

Now let the fun begin.it took me just over an hour to tackle this obstacle course. over under around. I have to say what is the point.. But you could say that of the AT. I’m just so glad that it was DRY!.
Half way along I passed the South African party
one said to me didn’t you have a tent on your pack ?
Fuck I said. But she was just winding me up .. Nice one grrrr.
Once through this fun part of  the trail we all collapsed in a heap drained water bottles and ate snacks.

Next was the big climb out of this valley .I followed the Aussie up, it was gnarly and shitty for the first half hour then just huge slabs of granite. It is  funny I seem to be able go up these  like a goat  and was at the top  within 1.5 hours. A quick photo opportunity before the descent
As I have Said many a time the descents kill my knees so I go down slow, with the odd stumble. Then onto the  next climb , But once up the view from this one were stunning
Time was getting on  but at the first  opportunity I stopped for lunch, ate snacks and brewed up. After this the maps say  its down but i never believe what the map say. I hadn’t done huge mileage today  but was already struggling. I decided that if there was a stealth spot(tent spot) near the car park then that would do me.
As descended I began to meet many section hikers and  people out for the day .I met a lovely lady dressed in a tutu and tiara,  she had just completed the 48 Peak challenge and was so excited . she insisted that i had several of her homemade choc chip cookies. They were dam good.
As I descended lower I began to hear cars, cant be far  i said  to no one, I stopped at next stream  and  watered up.  It wasn’t long until i stumbled into the car park that was full.
Lying down was Guber son of Aussie, Kaleidoscope and Ahem.
A man called Jason was doing trail magic I sat down and was handed a beer as he cooked me a burger .
I ended up eating 3 burgers that were fab and a sausage stuffed with CHEESE. he also kept supplying me with beer TOP MAN! He then produced a cooler filled with hiker food.. sides snacks etc.
Wow what a guy. As I sat enjoying my beer it began to pour Chris quickly threw up a tarp  so that we all remained dry. Okay  i need my bed as I was now full and well watered.
I Said to iron man I’m crashing at the back of the car park .
Good call snail do you mind if i join you ?
not at all.
There were some great spots so tent was soon up .

Start. 1914
Finish. 1924
Miles. 10
miles left. 276