Thursday 13th September

I got up quite leisurely as I no.longer need to rush it’s only 51 mies to go and I have bags of time…….maybe.

as I opened my tent I was greated with the start of an amazing sunrise . I stood for about 15 minutes just watching it .

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hen I visited the privy and came back and watched some more. Most of the tents that surrounded me last night had gone .so I it on a brew and welcomed in the new day.

Finally I packed up.andcwas on my way .if the trail was similar to yesterday then I would ike a 20 miler but to be honest I would settle for 16.

As I got the trail I was greated by boulders great start I thought . The trail took me around the lake so.i could see it constantly changing as the sun rised higher.

Wow it was warm.already I had a few bumps to get over then the trail.became nice but not for long the boulders were back and then it was the planks ..maybe I won’t do 20 ..as I was struggling to do any pace at all . omg it got worse itvwas the dreaded roots.. It’s like two rows of tyres that footballers run over in training .But A. I’m not a footballer and B, my feet don’t move like that. grrrrr.

it was walk the plank, trip over roots fall off rocks for most of the morning. before a nice trail resumed.

I shortly came to a shelter so called in wrote in the book and made sure I left going North.

by mid morning I was passing several gorgeous lakes .they looked stunning ..I had the time to stay and chip but I want to finish first then RELAX.

as I came to a road I saw Ossies whife I cheekily asked if she had a soda. She hadn’t but found me an energy drink..which I necked ..it was cold and did the trick. I thanked her and pushed on shortly coming to another glorious lake. there were 2 Privys and a picnic table so.i decided thst it must be lunch.as it.was 12.

I put on a brew and ate snacks ..then checked my map.wow 10.5 miles I was fairly chuffed as it had been a crap morning trail.wise.

I should be able to match that in the afternoon may be ha ha.

I went and sat on the beach by the lake for 5 minutes skimmed a few stones then it was time to hike.

I followed this amazing lake for several hours dipping into the forest then back on to the beach. Whilst in the forest another sea plane came over very low and landed on the lake..wow amazing I want one lol.

The trail then became hard work up and down the forest whilst weaving in and out of trees . at his exhausts me as I can’t get any rythem. then I came to a large climb and went into chug mode had way up a man was taking a break . I didn’t realise thst there were any climbs I said puffing.

It’s just this bump .he said

Just a bump I thought to my self .Fucking big bump.

I continued to chug up and up did I reached a sign saying Nesuntabut Mountain. I stopped for a break . then I was ready will it now be all down…..U doubt it ha ha

it was now 2m and 8 more miles to the shelter but I still felt fresh . I pushed on and came to another amazing lake typically the trsil.like to take you all around . . as I walked through the surrounding forest there were numerous boats chained to trees. further on There were several.boats tied up by a long rock slab and several girls sunbathing . envy envy .but I just hiked on then the trail.got board of being flat so decided thst some climbing would be fun . 4pm pinged my watch . and I decided that 20 was too much and I will do another hour then stop. so when I came to the next river I decided to water up.

after half hour one as some great spots and several tents.

Now here’s where I should of stopped…………

BUT NO…..I decided tonpush on do the hour….BIG. MISTAKE.

as there was nothing I walked following the river mile after mile constantly climbing .5pm pinged my watch. Bollocks I thought. at 5.45 I left the trail to find a suitable spot. maybe a compromise . but my tents up and a brew is on

21 miles better than I thought night only 30 to go !!!

Start. 2139

Finish. 2160
Miles. 21
miles left. 30