5th May 2022

I was bloody frozen last night I ended up putting on another top.brr, must order a new bag.
I made a hot chocolate to warm me before waking back to the trail.
Onwards snail, I pushed on needing to finish the last of the plains. I passed through a gate and headed towards the trees..
Once through the trees I turned right onto the main road (Dirt track) I slogged on , the road began to climb and climb god dont need this, at last it began to flatten I stomped on for about another hour  until I  heard a engine, I stopped and moved off the it was a forest fire tender.
I just stepped back onto the road when I heard another engine it was a truck towing a cattle truck and boy was he shifting. 
I continued on again until I heard more engines and again I stood off of the road as a fleet of fire trucks came down the road flowed by numerous pickups loaded with all their gear. As another one approached  I flagged it down.
Excuse me I asked am I in any Danger?
No sir the fire is out.
Phew okay I said and went back to my walking.
As I continued along this road the smell of smoke became stronger and stronger and then I was then in the burn. As I walked along the heat was fierce even though the fire was out.
A little further tress were still on fire and lots of trees were smouldering.  I was a little concerned and so when another fire truck arrived I flagged  it down.
He advised me this was black burn or it was controlled to prevent others and what was left was normal. He then advised me not to stop until past it 2 miles..wow.

I thanked him and continued on.
Wow the burn went on for a considerable distance occasionally I saw crews inside it working.
Eventually I passed it and green reappeared  but  now and then there were burn spots.
About an hr later I saw another fire truck parked up. The driver said HI.
So I asked him about the fires. He said the big one was Sunday and there was one along this bit last week… wow.
I pushed on needing water which was approximately 2 miles ahead.

As I pushed on down the road I noticed cattle in the field ahead, That  is possibly my water!
I made a route towards it following other hikers footprints until at last.!
There was a large tank powered by a diesel generator. I dropped my pack and went to the water sadly It was warm so I needed to filter it.
I sat in the shade for my break before returning to the trail and that never ending road.
Hour after hour ticked by as the road continued on. It’s funny you see a cloud of dust long before you hear the vehicle and they leave in cloud of dust.
The road now began to climb and climb and its so hot. I soon need a break and saw the perfect log, I headed over and dumped my pack down, took of my shoes to cool my feet.
As I rested a huge log lorry came by followed by several trucks.
I could have sat here all day but I needed  miles.

I continued up this road, but even after my break my feet were still too hot. 
A white pick came by .He stopped and asked if I would like some cold water.
God yes i replied .he then asked who was behind me.
I haven’t a clue. I’m not sure I said.
I’ll go check then i will be back the driver said , and would you like a lift to the top of the hill?
Yes please as I was exhausted
I removed my pack and sat down.
10 minutes he returned I put my pack into the back and got in, he handed me another  water.
We hadn’t gone far when I saw  Hawkeye  and Dr Tom getting water. The driver stopped and asked if they wanted a lift up the hill. They both declined.
I was dropped at the top of the hill I thanked him and sat in the shade.
The boys shortly appeared, I was amazed that I was only an hour behind them. We set off together but only 1 more mile before we decided to camp 

Miles 20 !