DAY 35 A day of two halves

18th May

I was up by 4.45 and on trail by 5 .30 well done me.

I had slept really well last night and with out a top on steady lol.

So I just had my top onto hike.

The first part of the trail was okay and maybe i should have gone on. But then it began to climb a long long steady climb. Nope couldn’t have done thst last night. And it was one of those climbs that once you start there is no way to stop.

Okay climb done let’s push on. There were several camp spots that looked used ,the occupants allready on trail.

The trail has been very well maintained by the club who look after it maybe a bit overboard with the cairns lol

I pushed on but stopped as I could hear the bugling of elk but couldn’t see any thing.

As I made my way a long the trail I was surprised on how dusty it was as my feet were kicking up huge plumes.. I passed through several old burns that always makes me sad.

Eventually I came to a gate the trail went right but there was s trail to the left. I followed this as it led to an amazing view. Omg what a view of the valley and the two section hikers were camped here on the ledge .omg what a sweet spot ,Seems neither of you sleep walk.i said

but epic spot. One of them gave me a mountain house ( freeze dried real foòd) I will savour that later.

I pushed on it was a lovely trail. At 9 am I stopped for my break and wow what a sight. I had views of the whole valley

I sat here for several minutes.

Then it was down. Typicaly steep and slippery. SO I was slow. When I had completed the first part I stopped again to gaze at the amazing scenery before me.. I was just leaving when the boys caught me. So I followed after them but had to keep stopping to video and take pictures. it took almost an hr to

Zigzag down this mountain. But the views were incredible.lots of cati were now in bloom making the mountain side even prettier

Nearing the bottom they stopped there was this really beautiful lizard I think geco but I’m a foreigner lol.

I was taking so many pictures I lost them eventually catching them again as they were getting water. It was a spring but no pipe so it neded to be filtered

When I had finished ,I washed out my socks. Shirt and everything else that was handy.

Then I poured water over my head omg that feels dso dam good . I pinned my washed socks to my pack to dry , then I was ready.

I was just leaving when Energiser appeared

Snailtrainer you must have passed us early. We chatted then I moved on 13 more miles to water and its just 11 easy !!

I started well the weight of water not bothering me then I enter the canyon and it was like being under magnifying glass the heat unbearable.

The next tree.. but there were none. There,there’s one sat beneath were the two sectionals.

I sat there for 10 mins i really wanted longer. But miles have to be walked

ALL yours Snail

Eventually I set off across wide open plains but I couldn’t cope with the heat. I spied a tree but there wasn’t a lot of shade so I hung my tarp across and crawled in .I watched other hikers pass safe beneath my shade. I stayed here for almost an hr before moving I swapped my shirt so it was open,may sun hat.dam my sunglasses have broke dam I need them

I pushed on but I was knackered I just cant hike in this sun

Fuck what you want me to climb up there!. This was like the Appalacian trail a scramble up the side of a rock face and in sun

What really. Once i had climbed up and got my breath back I pushed on and just around the next corner sat Uncle Sticks

We chatted for a while about this sun being so brutal.

Are you going to make water? He asked

No I replied I m ready to camp but want another break but will try to do another hour.

I sat down in shade for a few minutes until it cooled down okay 1 more hr

I pushed on trying not to look at my watch I had a few bumps to climb but nothing too taxing. Okay there .nope but a little to my right was a small clump of trees.

I dropped my pack and began to level the ground beneath the tree.

Then set up my tent.

Once up I found a large rock and carried it back to my camp.cant beat a seat. Rather than sitting in the dirt.