DAY 47 Wind,snow and Blowdowns

30th May

Stopping early last night was a mistake a big mistake pitching my tent where I did was a bigger one . I stopped as the weather was looking bad.

So I pitched.

But omg the wind last night was horrendous. My tent collapsed several times and the way the wind ripped at it I was surprised it wasn’t wrecked so thank you so much Big Agnes. That is some sturdy tent and well done Rab my new bag kept me toasty. even though it was covered in FROST!!

As I woke up with 3in of snow covering my tent.

So my sleep was crap I was a little scared of what might happen.

So when I woke to snow I was a it confused on what I should do.

It was a first time that I had managed to pack every thing up in my tent.

It was minus 8 and so I put on all my clothes but I need better gloves as my hands were freezing cold.

The next fun part was trying to pack my tent .the wind was still howling . It wasnt easy and it almost got away from me .

Okay lets go. I hoisted my pack and set off.

I was waking in virgin snow.

I hadn’t gone far when I had my first snow crossing. Then anoher and another. Wheres the bloody trail.its only me who can’t follow it . There. ….It was almost 3 miles to the trail head and junction.i had my puffy hood up as he wind was merciless.

I should have done this last night big big mistake . Oh well.

My fingers were like ice and so could Hardy feel the poles in my hand. Asi got closer to the trail head another set of foot prints appeared in the snow. Thought three would be more and tents.

At last I got to the trail head.

I stood here for a while

I was exhausted from last night. And wasn’t sure if I wanted to go on. I wanted a warm bed and a hot shower.

It took a lot of motivation to walk-on. Okay snail you got this town tomorrow if you push on..

I moved on but not a super pace.but I was moving .and the wind still raged.

I noticed another hiker behind me. It was the chap who passed me when I put up my tent

Big Mistake I said..

He was hoping to get into town that day. I might I said but more likely tomorrow..

He headed off and i slowly followed .I have to say the trail this morning was fantastic. But I didnt take any video or photos as it was far too cold and I just wanted to keep moving.

I came to to some great parts which travelled around the side of many mountains.but the wind was determined to blow me off the path. Sometimes it was so strong I couldn’t breath.at last I began to drop down into some trees .but then it wa either a snow bump ot blow down to navigate.

Okay enough found a bit of shelter so decided to make a cuppa toward me up. It did the trick . I pushed on not really having a destination in mind .

I’d stop when I had .had enough.

I was getting close to my destination 5 miles cool I can do that. But omg omg

The amount of blown downs was insane. Every few yards over under around.

Fuck whilst climbing over ibe I snagged my puffy and ripped it.

This made me so annoyed .

The trees I had to navigate where into the 100s it waa in sane. I know volunteers clear the trail and I’m sure its an endless job.

So thank you. But I was shattered