DAY 42 Leaving Chama

25 MAY

I slept well but today I needed to get back to the trail but hey I’m in a hotel so can lie in a bit longer.

At 8.30 I tempted myself from the covers .put on the coffee and walked into the shower..

Last one for a while lol

I drank my coffee and packed up the last bits.

Okay Last day let’s have breakfast. I walked down the road to the box car cafe.

When I entered I saw Yonny and Bex a kiwi hiker who is taking the bus to flip up state.

It was good to see yonny he’s one of the mad ones who road walked from Cuba and only its damaged his feet mmmm really.

I ordered my breakfast it was okay not the best but it filled a hole.

Okay snail we need to get out of here

I finished packing decided I should take the snow snows with me so took me a while to attach them

Okay let go my pack was stupidly heavy. Lots of food extra clothing and water that I probably will not need. I marched down the road. They have fired up the steam engine today so clouds of smoke fill the air. As I was waking I was joined by another hiker hexwas staying at thecother RV Park.

He said people had better luck hitching from there.

So we walked and talked. When we got there another hiker was already in position

It was 5 course the kiwi I met yesterday. Do you mind if I stand with you?

Not at all snail

Well as luck would have it the third car picked us up I think it was dad and son going to their cabin . And on the trailer behind was a quad.

They were really nice,chatty and interested in our hikes.

It wasnt long until we were there.

Brilliant.we both thanked them

5 course was heading North but for me I wanted to visit the border as I had felt cheated as we were unable to cross it as the forest was closed.so I had decide yo hike back the 2.5 miles take a photo and hike back then onwards.

See you up the trail we both said and set off in different directions.

I had only gone a few yards when I hit snow more of a small mound.i climbed over and continued the trail climbed but not steeply and was aided by great switch backs.

But then the blown downs begun.some I can step over,some are a climb over and others are find a way around

So this slowed me down as well as the numerous snow banks to climb.

Soon I came to a open space Shere I could see the whole of the valley wow simply amazing.

I pushed on climbed steadily but not too steeply. Then I dropped down into a sort of meadow .as I out a small lake pond I could hear the bullfrogs singing. After this the snow and blowdowns became a pain and my pace slowed. Over under around . The trail also become quite wet and slippery my sticks were stowed in my pack so I had to be careful.

Think i am past that bit but no the trail now becomes boggy and is coverd in a plant that starts off looking like chicory but green then blooms into a tall wide plant havnt a clue what it is .

Okay more blow downs.

And then I am here whoop whoop I drop my pack and take numerous photos and video

Then I just sit on a log and gaze. It’s so quite and peaceful

I guzzle down a bottle of water that I didn’t need to have carried.

I poured my second one away too

Why did I carry them both as there was plenty of water on trail

I must have sat there for 40 minutes before hoisting my pack and heading back.

So same as before but in reverse.

It took me an hr and a half to get back with the tree jumping and snow climbing

But back at Cumbres Pass I was.

Whilst here I climbed up to see the station or train terminus.

I thought it looked great . It reminded me of the stations when I was a kid.

Okay snail we need to move as it was almost 3 pm .

I hadn’t planed on doing too many miles maybe walk until 5 as it was a late start and the tree climbing saps your energy

I got to the trail and was just signing the register when Ninja appeared she’s from Germany snd like most youngsters is fast.

I set off knowing she would soon catch and pass me an she did.

I like it as when they are that fast you can see them miles ahead and know which way the trail is going.. I pushed on thinking wont see her again. And was miles away when another hiker came the other way

Her Name was Rats and I’ve seen her a lot in town as she too is waiting for a box.

We chat I while then I push on and meet the blown downs

Some are huge and takea little time to navigate around.

I pushed on and on just feeling relaxed. But then I began to worry about water as i had not read the comments so they could be dry. At that moment I stepped over a stream . That will do. I dropped my pack and with my cup filled a litre.

NB. From town this morning I have filled my bladder. But have not attached the hose.so have been unable to drink normally.

I could then see mountain stream rushing down the mountain . The trail seemed to follow it for a while then I had to cross over as I climbed up the other side .sat was Ninja. Sweet spot I said and pushed on . But really my back was a little sore and I was thinking if a nice spot comes up i will throw up my tent.

But I pushed on but i was thirsty

When I came to another stream .I stopped dropped my pack and sat on a great log, drank the 1/4 litre of unfiltered water had left.

I then decided I needed to drink more so filled up the empty bottle then used my new steripen.

It had a smily face so u was good yo drink it.

Oh it tasted good and it was cold great

Then Ninja appeared and stopped for a chat.

She wanted to practice her English. But couldn’t work out what nationality I was.

I laughed I am British. She thought I may be Australian

I told her I was from Oxford (Near) bug she struggled to understand me

I laughed again. I said I live in the country so am bit of a carrot Cruncher

This time she laughed.

We chatted more and then itws time to hike .

It wasnt long until I could see her on the other side of the mountain. Fucks she’s fast. Or maybe I’m slow lol. The trail snaked down and then to my left I could see a waterfall. 1st one of this trail.

As Ninja was on the other side I was guessing that I will need to cross this river.

Sure enough after several switch backs I was at the water’s edge.

Mm wet feet maybe. But then I spied two logs further down stream. Great I was across and dry feet. Once I was back on trail I was greeted with numerous blow downs and snow.

Fantastic I said to myself.

There was a huge tree down hanging above the trail so no climbing and I couldn’t walk under it so hands and knees.

Okay that’s down ..there were flat spots but they where surrounded by widow makers

( Dead trees that Could fall on you).

I had a bit of clambering to do then i emerged onto a small clearing.PERFECT!!