DAY 41 Chama day 3

May 24, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

24th May

My alarm went off i silenced it.

And dozed . My phone then began to Ring….I answered it, it was the post office confirming that they had found my box .

I’m a little excited could be my cold gear could just be my junk box ..

I got up, put on the coffee machine used the bathroom and slowly woke up.

Mm good coffee.i drank it then I was ready. I was a little excited as I walked to the Post office.

Good morning I said as I walked in. The post master lady smiled back we have your box.she disappeared and came back with it and typed it into her system.

It was our fault she said we read your name wrong and marked it as Watt (the return name of my freind in Texas)

Really I think it was me as I had printed these labels in the UK and swapped the to and from positions

But I was so greatfull and thanked them both for their efforts.

I walked back to my hotel with a huge grin on my face.

I put my box onto my bed and slowly opened it whoop whoop it was my cold gear box .

I sorted out what I needed and put aside the rest to bounce later.

I then spent half an hour phoning the post office in texas again still no answer. I tried the automated route several times but that also failed. Okay I took my spare gear to bounce and headed tonthe post office again. On the way I ran into shredder a hiked I hiked with on the Pct in 2014 small world . Once done I thought i need a stroll so devided to visit my other friends at the Rv camp the other end of town also thats where the store is that sells beer.

I so set off up the road and soon caught up with another hiker from Canada called 5 courses. He eats well lol.

Okay I wished him good bye and headed to the RV Park I walked up to the bench but the guys were not here. I rang them they were at the store and heading back.

But a few yards up was Monk.

Las

t time I saw him his feet looked like hamburgers.

And I think he had to have medical care. But was now all good.

As Shoes and Chameleon apeared I noticed a third person..

Wow it was Ducky.

She had been off trail to a wedding and was back.

It was great to catch up with every one and Monk took our picture.

Their campsite was well organised like someone’s larder.

Shies began to cook hotdogs, Chameleon was making pasta and Ducky had the remains of mack cheese in her pot.

Shoes offered me a hot dog thst was really tasty.

Okay guys I may see you up trail or when ever as they may flip ( jump up trail to escape the snow )

I walked over to the shop. I asked about fuel .but they hadn’t unpacked their delivery yet.

I brought beer. Bagels, ham,cheese spread.a frozen meal for later, crisps and a tub of ice cream.

I paid and was just out of the shop when I heard voices calling me. It was one if the assistants saying we have unboxed the fuel.

I went back inside they only had small canisters and it was expensive but if you need you need

I set off back to town and luckily got picked up and dropped back.

I thanked her so much.

Okay time to chill.i.put my dinner ice cream and most of the beer in the fridge.

Back in my room I open a can of ale and flicked through the TV.

I then gave the texas post office several more goes. Again no answer.

I made two ham and cheese bagels which were tasty washed down with ale.

After several hrs of vegging it was dinner the dinner was a cheap frozen meal but very tasty.

After that I demolished the tub of ice cream.

Okay I had better pack. Okay thats as much as I can do until tomorrow .

I think more relaxing and ale drinking is required.

Night all

Mileage officially still zero

DAY 40 Day 2 Chama

May 24, 2022May 25, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

23rd May

I sleep really well when I don’t have to get up

I put on the coffee machine and stepped into the shower.

Oh nice hot water , treat 😋

I got dry and drank my coffee.

Okay snail Positive thoughts !!!!

I grabbed the paper work and headed for the post office

I joined the queue,as I was waiting Chameleon arrived.

Okay my turn.they still were unable to locate my box that says it was delivered here. But they will look again after lunch. They advised me that my other box was at chama Colorado and try to ring and the other was at Elpaso Texas.

I tried customer services no help.

Okay I rang the first PO The man was helpful and said it had been returned to sender. So Lordsburg.

I rang Lordsburg next ,it wasn’t there yet so.i left a forwarding address.

Next was Texas but no answer after a dozen rings

Okay I need some fresh air so went for a walk up the road .I called in at the local store. But most of the shelfs had been stripped by us hikers there appears to be high numbers this year. But I managed to get needles and thread to repear my pack.

Wandering back through town I recognised several hikers in the garden of the coffee shop,sat by a huge fire pit. Seems every body is waiting for a box or missing a box .

Okay mind made up now I will reorder kit when I get back to my hotel and hike out tomorrow..

So ordered and sent to Pagosa

I then visited the post office 1 more time they again were really helpful. But sadly no box.but again I left forwarding address just in case.

Okay I feel a lot better even though I’ve spent another $300 on replacement kit.

Okay relax .I finished off my potato salad and ham.followed by a fruit jelly washed down with a beer.

I then repaired by pack.it looks okay well will do .(hopefully)

Now to do nothing

Well I heard from fellow hikers out on trail that there are blizzards up there and they are bailing so …..

I have booked another day in town.

Omg just had email from.post office they have found a box .

Not sure which one . But I’ll go grab it tomorrow . Excited !!

So now tv beer and chill.

Mileage still zero

Day 39 zero in Chama

May 22, 2022May 25, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

22nd May

Good morning I slept very well.

But I’m feeling in limbo.

I’m stuck in town,as I need my equipment that’s in merry-go-round and is not here.

Hopefully some one at the post office can stop it and get it returned to me.

But realisticly that will be several days. But spending more days in town may mean hopefully less snow but staying in town is expensive. I have booked the hotel until Tuesday. After that I will probably move to the Rv site and tent as its only $20 a night but no TV lol.

So at the moment I’m being lazy and watching TV ( it’s cheap)

But I’ll go explore laters.

Okay time to get out. I headed out of town on the way I bumped into bandaid she was getting itchy feet too and wanted to hike .I know the feeling. She hopes to get out Monday. I explained my dilemma to her. Okay I carried on and found the RV PARK. As I approached it shoes and Chameleon were coming the other way. We walked back to their campspot. i wasn’t too bad and they are still Cowboy camping ( it’s a bet). We then walked to the store.

I brought beer. Something for lunch / dinner,fruit,crisps and juice.

Okay time to head back .I put out my thumb and it wasn’t long until I got picked up and back at my motel.

Okay chill time. Wow its almost 5pm. I opened my tub of potato salad and sliced ham dug in with my spoon .both very tasty washed down with beer.

Okay im a tourist too and as there is a steam railway across the road I might as well explore.

The trains run and take passengers up the mountain but I’m not sure of the time table or if there are restrictions because of possible fire ( Ash from the train)

Well I enjoyed just pottering about the yard boys and toys maybe

Okay back to my hotel and relax as there is nothing more I can do until tomorrow .

NIGHT All

Mileage Zero

DAY 38 To Chama

May 21, 2022May 23, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

21st May 2022

I decided to have a early night .

Big Mistake as I couldn’t sleep, not sure what was bothering me but I tossed and turned until stupid o clock

The alarm woke me and I jumped into the shower this time the water was red hot. So a quick shower.

I finished packing , then left the motel, i crossed over the road and began walking to McDonald’s our meeting place.

As I pass the laundrette I heard a voice “Snail. “

I turned to see Chameleon closely followed by Shoes.

We chatted for a few minutes before I needed to move.

Once at McDonald’s I ordered bacon & egg muffins,hash browns and coffee.

Rip it up and Pacer where here but they had a tide organised with freinds

Then bandaid arrived ( she had organised the transport)

After breakfast we went outside there were 8 of us hikers so two cars.

Frank was our driver snd his brother the other.

Just before we entered their was an original log cabin so we all had a nose. Amazing it’s still standing wow.

We set off in convoy,stopping first at Ghost ranch as some hikers had boxes here

Then we posed for a photo once we entered the guys on the gate were not that happy and so not a warm welcome here.

The place was heaving lots of people with their easels and were painting some looked amazing. I wandered around and brought a cold drink while others picked up their Resupply boxes

There seemed to be several events going on as there were people queuing everywhere

We then returned to the car and continued on

On the way we had a long stop as there was construction work happenening. impressive. It was a long complex of various vehicles all in a line. And what they were doing was breaking up the tarmac mixing it up adding more tar and then relaying it.

Very impressive.

Further on it began to rain,real rain wow.

Eventually we made it into chama and our drivers stopped at the post office. As I got out the air was really chilly nothing like new Mexico. Once inside It was busy with dozens of hikers posting boxes, picking up boxes ,repacking boxes and just being busy.

I joined the line.

Robinson 3 boxes I said passing over my drivers licence

She went away .came back later empty handed.

Nothing she said. Do you have tracking no,?

Yes I did but it was in the bottom of my pack.

I hurried outside and began to search through my pack.

Great. Got it. I went back inside and handed over my receipts .

Once again she was gone for a while. She returned with several sheets of paper.

And explained that NONE of my packages were here.

Really I said to myself . Another problem. Okay looks like I will chase Monday !!.

Okay hotel. Luckily there was room in the one opposite the post office .I took three nights .

I may be here a while as I need my snow gear. So will camp some where cheaper if necessary.

But I will work that out Monday

Not sure whats gone wrong but wrong it is.

Okay all the guys in the cars are hungry so we find a restaurant. I try quellias (chicken) bloody good and a couple of beers.

Right we all head off in different directions apart from Mr Green who heads out to the trail.

Once back in my room I try to make sence of why my parcels are not here.

But will possibly be best to chat to the post office Monday.

So now tv and chill

During the evening I get a message from Chameleon and Shoes they are in Town and staying at the Rv Park. Sounds a okay place. So will probably stay there next week.

Okay now I am hungry. I take a nose around town and as I’m passing a couple come out of restaurant and say its great here.

Alrighty then..I walk inside and order a pizza and beer.then head outside there is a great fire pit and about a dozen people.

The beer is a cloudy Ipa called hazy sunshine.very tasty. Then my pizza arrives. I have to say its incredible, really tasty and cooked perfectly.. I ordered another beer then got chating to a few locals .they brought me a couple of beers.we sat around the fire pit chatting until it was my bed time.

Mileage still zero.

DAY 37 ZERO in Cuba

May 21, 2022May 23, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

Friday 20th May 2022

Woke up lazily it’s a zero no need to rush.

I did a few chores then went across the road to the Cuban cafe.. ordered a great breakfast washed down with endless cups of coffee. Okay post office. Oh yes my new walter filter is in . Whoop. I then quickly called into the Dollar general for some bits before heading to the library. The lady was really helpful and I chose a pc to use. I downloaded an updated intenery to help with my planning. I then updated several videos but the speed was crap I was there for 4 hrs . But got a lot done. Then home to chill .I had managed to secure a ride to Chama so began to pack up.

Then had a video call to freinds back at home. Once done I sorted a box to send to my freind Tartan.

But omg I can’t find my passport. panic,panic

I stripped the room checked my tent. Double checked. Fuck omg.

I went to post office sent the box. Chatted about my to them about my passport then went police station they were helpful but not.

Fuck I shouted when walking back.

As i turned the corner of the motel the owner of shouted its you

Omg she had my passports

I gave her a huge hug I was oh so great full.

Okay now I can relax.

When I shock out my pack this morning it must have come out but I didnt notice it.

I cracked a beer and slowly packed up again. Breathing a sign of relief

I put on the TV and watched Ford v ferrari. Great film .

I then relaxed more with a few more ales and had an early night.

Mileage still zero

DAY 36 Change of Plans

May 20, 2022May 23, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

19th May

snail we got this today.

The alarm went off at 4.45 and I was up ,the bed was let down and I was packed but still couldn’t get on trail to 5.30.

But 5.30 is good okay to the water.

Have to say that this was one of the best sleeps ever .

I pushed on in the cool morning got to grab those miles while it’s cool.

But I had a lot of climbs that I was not expecting. When it’s cool I don’t feel the need to drink but start to climb and then I need the precious .As I went around a corner there was Energiser. Oh wow.

We chatted a while on how brutal this part was. Tented nearby was uncle sticks. .I waved and set off. But there were more climbs bugger I said as I gulped more water. I pushed on knowing water is near. But I was going up and down come on water as I climbed yet another messi I could see a water tank .

Oh joy and I began to speed up but the trail was going in the opposite direction. REALLY…..

I decided that this was not the water I was heading for dam,

As I sucked the last of my water.

In the distance was a road.

Energiser caught me .

There may be a cache by the road Snail.

I hope so I said I am out.

I have a splash he said.

I followed Energiser to the road, we crossed over and followed the trail. Sat a bit back beneath a tree sat a palet of water omg and thank god.

I poured a jug into my bottle and necked it and once more

I was realy dehydrated

While we were here Uncle Sticks arrived and gave us news of the trail closure or rather New Mexico have closed all of their

national parks and so Cuba is the end of the line for us hikers. So we can’t travel further with out traveling forward.

Oh oh decisions.

I sat pondering, my plan was to hike north going to chama/chama missing out ghost ranch

So I go forward to chama and continue as I have gear waiting in chama.

Although I saw the physio in Grants my hip is still very painful.so I tossed a coin hike on to Cuba or hitch

HITCH on. although it took me 3 rides the second ride were lovely they gave me water and pushed a handful of dollars into my hand

Thank you Oh so much.

The last ride was in the back of a pick up.I got dropped off at the motel the sugn said no vacancies but then the owner,an elderly lady appeared and said yes I am sure I can fit you in . You can put your pack inside and ill let you know when it is ready.

I imeaditly went to the Dollar store brought 2 ice creams 2 cold drinks and a pack of crisps. Just as I got back yonny arrived. I’m going to Mcdonald’s.

Okay cool .so set off after him passing so many well known faces. Rachel,old bag.and others whose names I forget

Again more familiar faces in side Mcdonalds

i orderd 2 cheese burgers large fries and a strawberry milkshake.

All tasted so good fast food, but real food.

Oh the way back I stopped at the post office. I had two boxes a food box and one from Rei whoop.

Once back I threw on the air con and opened the box from rei wow my new Rab sleeping bag wow looks fab and so much plumper that my feathered friends bag that ill send home.

The other box was my food box that I had bounced twice from Lordsburg. So some nice things and things I just won’t eat .so I need to sort .

But no new water filter. Tracking says tomorrow so fingers crossed.

Okay shower

Ah all clean again

Next chores I grabbed my old bag. Grabbed laundry and headed to the post office first .

That went well and the lady was so helpful. So it is on route back to the UK.

Next laundry. Not not too painful. I was just leaving when another hiker arrived. But I’ve forgotten his name sounds like rapid but not.

Okay chores done I need ale which is the other oart of town.

I grabbed my fav beer and walked back popping into Dollar general for a something for dinner and some lemonade

Okay time to relax

I worry about logistics tomorrow.

MILES 6.5

DAY 36 A change of plans

May 19, 2022November 30, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

19th May

snail we got this today.

The alarm went off at 4.45 and I was up ,the bed was let down and I was packed but still couldn’t get on trail to 5.30.

But 5.30 is good okay to the water.

Have to say that this was one of the best sleeps ever .

I pushed on in the cool morning got to grab those miles while it’s cool.

Oh joy and I began to speed up but the trail was going in the opposite direction. REALLY…..

I decided that this was not the water I was heading for dam,

As I sucked the last of my water.

In the distance was a road.

Energiser caught me .

There may be a cache by the road Snail.

I hope so I said I am out.

I have a splash he said.

I followed Energiser to the road, we crossed over and followed the trail. Sat a bit back beneath a tree sat a palet of water omg and thank god.

I poured a jug into my bottle and necked it and once more

I was realy dehydrated

While we were here Uncle Sticks arrived and gave us news of the trail closure or rather New Mexico have closed all of their

national parks and so Cuba is the end of the line for us hikers. So we can’t travel further with out traveling forward.

Oh oh decisions.

I sat pondering, my plan was to hike north going to chama/chama missing out ghost ranch

So I go forward to chama and continue as I have gear waiting in chama.

Although I saw the physio in Grants my hip is still very painful.so I tossed a coin hike on to Cuba or hitch

HITCH on. although it took me 3 rides the second ride were lovely they gave me water and pushed a handful of dollars into my hand

Thank you Oh so much.

I imeaditly went to the Dollar store brought 2 ice creams 2 cold drinks and a pack of crisps. Just as I got back yonny arrived. I’m going to Mcdonald’s.

Okay cool .so set off after him passing so many well known faces. Rachel,old bag.and others whose names I forget

Again more familiar faces in side Mcdonalds

i orderd 2 cheese burgers large fries and a strawberry milkshake.

All tasted so good fast food, but real food.

Oh the way back I stopped at the post office. I had two boxes a food box and one from Rei whoop.

Once back I threw on the air con and opened the box from rei wow my new Rab sleeping bag wow looks fab and so much plumper that my feathered friends bag that ill send home.

The other box was my food box that I had bounced twice from Lordsburg. So some nice things and things I just won’t eat .so I need to sort .

But no new water filter. Tracking says tomorrow so fingers crossed.

Okay shower

Ah all clean again

Next chores I grabbed my old bag. Grabbed laundry and headed to the post office first .

That went well and the lady was so helpful. So it is on route back to the UK.

Next laundry. Not not too painful. I was just leaving when another hiker arrived. But I’ve forgotten his name sounds like rapid but not.

Okay chores done I need ale which is the other oart of town.

I grabbed my fav beer and walked back popping into Dollar general for a something for dinner and some lemonade

Okay time to relax

I worry about logistics tomorrow.

MILES ZERO

DAY 35 A day of two halves

May 19, 2022May 23, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

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.

I put my stove together and put on a brew whilst I inflated my mattress and sorted my gear.

Oh tea it’s amazing how a cuppa can revive me.

Okay my dinner,I have been looking forward to this all day.

I poured in the boiling water stired it sealed the pouch and waited.

Oh these meals are so so good. They are a bit expensive so normslly carry just one for a treat but havnt seen any to buy

Well I did more miles than I thought night all

Miles 19.5

DAY 34 Making more miles

May 18, 2022May 22, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

17 may.

The alarm went off I snoozed it but then began to move.

Got to do better than yesterday!

As yesterday was crap.

I packed up drank my hot chocolate and I was away.

2 miles from yesterday then we will see. (2 miles until water)

Shirt on or off ?. Its a bit chilly shirt on. ..I wear my vest all day long but put an over shirt on in the mornings. But thst comes off as soon as I heat up.

I was on trail by 6 better start snail. Typically the trail after I camped was really nice and flat. So maybe I should have gone on to the water….Maybe maybe. Ha ha. I teased myself.

The 2 miles soon went. This happens after a good night’s sleep .

I saw the cow trough on the mide if the field as I made my way over I could still see tents under some trees. It looked like Energiser and uncle Sticks. (IT wasnt) I filterd several liters and carried a litre of dirty just in case.

I was off and making good progress as it was mainly road walking or dirt track walking but it was scattered with stones ,mainly lava. This continued miles after mile sometimes it was smooth other times just rock .

There wasn’t much to see either at 9am I took my mid morning break. It was near a pond (no thank you) I enjoyed my break as I was leaving I caught sight of two hikers behind me. I had a small bump to climb then back to the road such fun. The road now pased through open land with little to no trees for shade and the temperatures had suddenly rocketed up. Omg.

I stopped again under a tree to put on my umbrella. As I was sorting it the two hikers came by they were from oklahoma.and hiking from Grants to Cuba..

I watched them go as i struggled with my umbrella. Okay all good I set off after them. Keeping them in sight but after an hr even with my umbrella I was melting. FUCK….why can’t I do this itcws no good I needed yet another break. I found a tree with decent shade and seemed refuge.

I was planing on takeing 20 minutes but woke up an hr later. Oh dear…. but I must have needed it. But as the morning go on it just gets hotter DOH!!

I pushed on with fresh legs and was doing great as the road weaved inside out of trees still no shade. As I crossed a wide open place I was happy there was a breeze to cool me down …. untill it got a little a little fierce and turned my brolly induce out bugger and @@@@.

It wa difficult trying to save your umbrella and and walk.

I somehow manzged to rescue it and close it. . But now the sun was not bring kind and so once again

at 2pm I hit the same wall. And was really cross with myself.

Yet another shady tree. I did a water check I’m okay and it’s only 4 more miles so had a extra doze.Okay let go get this water…

The miles counted down getting closer fantastic. My app said .9 miles to go but as I turned into the path there was a sign saying spring with 1.6 miles written on it.

Okay snail we need some inspiration. I put in my ear pods and we marched on.

At last I’m here but the signs were not exactly clear. I wondered sound then just followed the footprintst (This can be dangerous lol.)

I wasn’t sure about leaving my pack. So took it with me . The water was across a canyon up and over then down the side of a cliff. Such fun.half way down I could see people.

It took about 15 minutes to get down.

at the bottom were the two hikers I spoke to earlier. The water was good ice cold from a pipe.so I didn’t filter. I emptied the water from my bladder and refilled it,then my two bottles. While I was here I made a cuppa. The two other hikers left and began their route back. Then two others arrived they had left their packs up at the top. Wise.

Her name was Rip it up. Can’t remember his except he had done 27 miles so far or 37 ?

I have to say I don’t get it. I do not see any reason to try and cover such vast milage. I think your not taking in the trail,listening to nature . But then I’m just bloody slow. On the Pct I averaged 22 a day. But didn’t have these huge water carries. Water is heavy. And I’m much older and …lol.

Any way it’s his hike. I left and started the slow walk back up the mountain less than 20 minutes ..I’m happy with that.

Okay it just gone 5pm . And i have full tanks. I set off and imeadity the trail began to climb but then it was flat a nice flat okay I’ll go to six. I pushed on waiting for the fast team to come by.

Okay it six . Should I go on ? ,ooh flat spot. That will do.

And in fairness I was done.

I find the sun here just drains me

Okay tent up and several cups of tea and it’s bed

Night all and

Miles 21. Phew

Total distance so far 575*

DAY 33 Not quite enough

May 17, 2022 / snailtrainers Adventures / Leave a comment

16th May.

I slept really well but not long enough. I quickly packed up as water was boiling for tea.

I drank it stowed it away and I was ready.

I followed the trail until I came to the blazed trail for water. Okay I’ll grab one more bottle. So dropped my pack ..as I said its a long way there and back.

Okay happy now I hoisted my pack .it was several small climbs. At the top was the two boy’s from yesterday.

I did my greetings then pushed on . After this, the trail just climbed and climbed. But it stayed level after this. Hurrah I pounded down the trail as it was good and the miles were whizzing.

As I began to go down a small service road I could see some elk but I couldn’t get my phone out quickly enough. So I held it just in case and typically as soon as I put it was a dozen more bounded past. Oh well then 5 deer skipped past.nice.

The path then flowed into a estate open area almost like a estates garden . In the center was a murky pond nice. Luckily I had enough water thank you. The trail skirted this beautiful park. As I climbed up and out I could see a building,it was marked as Pavilion on my App..when I got there it was a open Pavilion. With just enough shade. Then I spotted a drop toilet. So had to investigate. If you see one you have to use it lol.

I went back to the Pavilion and put on a brew and ate a few snacks. It’s amazing how a cuppa can really perk me up.

At 11 the trail began to climb and climb sharply. Then it was smooth for a bit steep down and then another climb that went on and one. At last that leveled out. OK water i walked down a small trail then I could see another hiker getting water brilliant.

When I arrived Energiser was sat on his chair lunching. Nice I thought.

I found some shade , Grabbed my bottles then went to find the water. It was icy cold. So I did not filter.

I took them back to where i had left my pack then relaxed .

Okay trail bugger its now very very hot

I still don’t seem to have any ooph after lunch I blaming the sun but it could be the Altitude??.

Okay 8 more miles,should be easy right! I should be able to do That by 6.pm

I set off okay but it wasn’t long until my pace was crap. But I kept pushing and pushing. The first part after lunch was fairly flat or down.but now I was ready to climb.

Just as I was pondering Father sticks appeared and took off up the mountain. I followed but when I got to the top he was nowhere to be seen,

I eventually found him taking a break. As I made my way down trail the temperatures began yo climb so I looked for a shady tree. .At 3.30 I took a break but most have dozed off as I woke at 4.30

Well I didn’t realy sleep well last night.

Okay snail 4 miles

Once again I attacked the trail but I was loosing I just didn’t have anything left in my tank.

At 5.50 I noticed a spot.