Tues 17th July

I packed up fairly quickly and I was on the trail by 6.30
Today I wanted those mile. I set off at a good pace .I started by descending down and in the distance I heard traffic, possibly it was dustbin day?
Eventually I emerged out on to a freshly tarmacked road to my right was a sort of builders merchant. The trail took me left past some rather lovely houses that I would like to own. As I walked down the road I noticed a road sweeper and a man in hi-vis with a stop go sign. I guessed that they were still working on the road. The trail took me past the workmen., there was a lorry dumping soil over the freshly laid road. I asked one of the men why he was doing this.
They dumping in on the edge, as this stops the new edge from cracking. Learnt something today !
I walked on par the guys and continued up the road, until the trail turns right into a huge wetland bird sanctuary that i will walk around.
It was still early and the morning sunlight was picturesque. I kept stopping to watch the birds, herons fishing and other birds that kept diving .
I walked on then met a SOBO coming the other way we gave the usual greeting before continuing in our separate directions.

The trail now dives into the forest and immediately I was walking On duckboards. These appeared to go on for miles, i helps with wood being so cheap here. I briefly emerged onto another road, crossed over before beginning my first climb. It was steep oh so steep once at the top there was a sign for the shelter, but far too early for me so pushed on.
Most of the morning was rock climbing, bouldering or scrambling and i was soon exhausted. At last i left the rocks and began to work down a freshly mowed path. In the distance I could hear workmen , the sounds growing louder the nearer I got to them.
When I emerged into bright sunlight i could see another team of men working on the road.
I waited until I was waved across, on the other were side informing me about a nature reserve.
when I walked down the path I was greeted with another wooden walkway that snaked across the wetlands for as far as i could see and beyond.
It most of cost a fortune not to mention the logistics of putting it together. Omg it goes on and on . I kept waking til i came to a large bridge, once across the walkway continued on. This is totally amazing.

Eventually I said goodbye to this amazing structure and crossed into a field of cows who were mostly sheltering under the trees as it was do bloody hot in fact my watch said 97.

As I crossed the field in the top left across the road looked like a burger van or similar. As I climbed the stile to get out of the field I noticed a table in the car park.
Do you need to rest said the man and introduced himself Moose.
On the table there were grapes, plums, peaches, strawberries, pineapple, watermelon . apples and crackers oh and water. I grabbed a water and chugged it
Then sampled most of the fruit. As we were chatting he mentioned ice cream at the garden Centre across the road and the van that I saw did hot-dogs.

Leave your pack and to go sample the ice cream , oh and they will top up your water. Said Moose.
I soon found the store (more of a garden centre) They had many flavours of ice cream, I chose a pint of pineapple, 3 apple vinegar doughnuts and a sprite. I sat outside in the sun to devour my treats whilst my phone charged.

Once full I wandered around the shop then made my way back to Moose. ignoring the hot-dog van. When I got back there were several people chatting as I hoisted my pack.
Your going to get hit by the storm Moose Said
Oh well I thought, thanked moose and set off down the trail.
The clouds look threatening and thunder was rumbling but it was still roasting as i made my way along the 1/2 mile approach before my next dreaded climb. The climb started with switchbacks and then became stone steps to climb. I began to struggle so blamed the ice cream . As i climbed I met a dozen people coming down ,they all looked fresh. not puffing and panting like me .
It took me about an hour to reach the top. I stood puffing trying to get my breath back before realising that i was stood with a bear.
I quickly grabbed my phone but as my fingers were wet I couldn’t take a video then I realised that there were 2 cubs with mum so I backed away slowly , swearing at my stupid phone I hoped that I had some footage but sadly not. I stupidly was about to follow them before my brain screamed at me to stop ..Not a good idea.I was so excited to seeing them all

I continued on into the forest the skies getting blacker and blacker. I stopped to put my packs rain jacket on. Not a minute too soon as whoosh came the rain and it was heavy really heavy
I walked on as there was nothing else that I could do. Your told not to shelter under trees and as I was still high on the ridge I should get lower. The trail instantly became a river and of course my rain jacket was at the bottom of my pack.
I prefer to hike wet ,only putting my rain jacket on if I get cold,. This rain was relentless ,my shoes now squelched and I was soaked to the bone but o pushed on as there was no point stopping .
I did wonder about stopping and to put up my tent ,but the rain was just too heavy. I pushed on about another hour, slugging through the rain

Finally it began to ease as I crossed over a road , Whoop there was a cold box and it was full of lemonade, orangeade and other cans .I glugged a sprite. wrote in the book then packed another out
After about another hour I came to a sign saying shelter and decided that i would visit.
When i arrived there were 2 hikers also sheltering from the rain.
This shelter was dark and dingy and i didn’t want to stay but took the opportunity to take a break emptied my shoes wrung out my socks and ate some snacks.
I was mentioning water when one of the hikers said there is water in this bag that a Trail Angel.
Brilliant. I topped up my bottles which was a relief .then I hoisted up my pack, said bye to my fellow hikers .
I wanted more miles, especially as the rain had stopped.

I pushed on as the rain came back . bollocks I said to myself. I wanted to go till 6 pm but this wasn’t working for me at 5.30 I spied a spot and got my tent up as quickly as I could in the rain.

i lay on my pad listening to the rain eventually it stoped again so I quickly made tea. With my bear encounter I emptied all smelly things from.my pack and hung them properly.

Not far to town tomorrow

Night

Start 1348

Finish 1365.2

Miles. 17.2

Monday 16th July

I struggled out if bed and revived my food from.the bear box then began to pack up
when I was almost done I made tea. The strange one who camped by my was just emerging wow you pack up fast he said.

well.i have been doing it for 3 months I laughed. Then he began to winge that there were too many kids in the shelter and that they should have made room for him. Well you need to be at the shelter earlier I replied and it’s great to see the kids out hiking. them I walked away as he’s a doom and gloom guy. I finished my tea cljped my cup to my pack and strolled out of camp.

I headed down crossed several roads then began to climb over boulders . I thought that I had finished with this game but oh no

some had pretty big drops others were much easier. I pushed on my watching letting me know that an hour was up.

The sun began to shine through the forest lighting up all the spiders webs so I could see them before I walked into them

some were really rather pretty so I stood for a few seconds admiring them

I should see the next shelter or at least a sign .. instead I met u happy Feet. How far too the shelter I asked ,?

Too far Snail. Okay that’s good enough for me and pushed on . happy Feet was waiting for Bob so I pushed ahead knowing that they would soon race past me .

It wasn’t long until I heard giggling behind me so I stepped aside to let them pass . See you later guys.

I followed them for a while but they were soon out of sight.

so I returned to.my plod..a deer came to stare at me so I said good morning . I was so.busy concentrating or rather my mind was elsewhere when I emerged into sunlight

I was at high tower park . I walked over to the main offices and noticed 2 pack a sat outside so went in. Bob was sat inside in the co airconditioned building. I approached the lady at the counter and asked if they had an At stamp ..Indeed They did and as I was a through hiker I got a free can of Pepsi.

Oh that cold liquid when your hot and thirsty is divine
I just wish the cans were bigger. HAPPYFEET thought I had my water filter so she said good idea I need to backwash mine.

So I did the same , washed my hair and socks then went our side to dry. I then picked up and went back to the trail..I was hiking along then in a clearing I could see a huge oblique in the distance wow that looks amazing. I carried on omg the trail then came across a viewing platform so climbed up. wow what amazing views all around..and a better view of the monument.i was still admiring the view when Happyfeet and Bob Narly arrived.

I followed the trail until it branched off to the monument trail.
I decided to take a look, the moment is of course perched on top of a hill so it was a steep trail that took me there. At last I was st the top.what a magnificent monument. I put down my pack before walking around it a few times then went in.
Can you climb it I asked
yes Sir she replied.

I grabbed my camera and began to climb the stairs . its only when your half way up and still have far to go when you think was this such a good idea. I eventually made the top puffing and panting. the views were amazing, I took some photos and then began the long walk back down.

I walked out into the sun so whilst here I decided to have lunch.

It was now hot , too hot as I set off back down the path to the trail. passing huge spotlights that light the monument at night. Once on the trail I began to push on as I had promised myself beer and ribs in town.
But I was melting . the forest parts were fine but now and then I was walking in direct sun
On my map was a mention of a secret Shelter. well that intrigued me so I thought I’d take a look when I got nearer.
I had completely forgotten about the secret shelter until low on water I saw a sign for well water.
I walked along the dirt track and stumbled upon the secret shelter

There were 4 building as I approached 2 marmots or ground hogs quickly ran away. In the largest of the huts was a register and sign saying please don’t cook . There was power so I charged my phone. I filled up my water bottles then went to peek at the other shelter. They were locked but through the window it has a kitchen dinner and stairs leading up to another floor.

As I walked around the building I noticed the outdoor shower so walked back to my pack to get soap.
I took off my shoes and so is the. stepped under the shower. To my surprise it was warm. I washed my hair again then lathered up my clothes before standing starkers in a field as I rinsed them. then wrong them out and put them back on.
wow I felt totally refreshed and I had only about 3 miles to go
it wasn’t long before I arrived at the road that lead to town..
I followed it past a cemetery. and a antique place . before arriving at a cross roads. j checked my map it was right.
I turned right and hidden just on the corner was my destination the Wits send tavern. I left my pack inside. It was chilly due to the air con nut I soon got used to it. I Tried a German beer then ordered up the ribs.
The owner said if you don’t like them then I’ll pay.
I sat at a table and plugged in my phone to charge. The first beer went down to quick so I had a basic beer.

Then my ribs came and omg they were good . I could of eaten a second plateful.
I had a couple more beers then set off back to the trail. As in was going up the hill I met noproblama. I told him.where I had been and gave it the thumbs up. The rest of the group had gone to the pizza shop..Good luck i said
i pushed on back on the trail. it was fairly easy as it was a nice path. I then was walking through fields filled with bales. on my third field I decided that this will do my tent was soon up and I enjoyed dinner.
I had my rain fly half on just in case so watched the fireflies until I dozed off

start 1332
Finish 1348
Miles 16

Sunday 15th July

I was just settling down when I heardcrustling in the bushes . it was a skunk. I was going to get some closer pictures untill.i remembers other say that they can be fairly vicious . so I left him alone .

I was beginning to drift off when I feel and heard a few drops of rain. Bugger. I jumped out of my tent and quickly threw my fly over my tent I had just finished attaching the last corner when there was a huge clap of thunder , and then it began to pour. I climbed back into my tent and tried to doze off again. But the lightning was so bright even with my eyes closed and then the rain became more torrential hammering on the outside if my tent followed every few minutes with the loud claps and rumbling of thunder . Eventually I dozed off waking to the sound of my alarm. I was dismayed to hear that it was still raining and raining hard so I silenced the alarm and rolled over. At 7 it seemed to be slowing so I quickly began to pack up . I retrived my food bag .and checked my line as it looked as if it was beginning to fray when I pulled it u last night. Yes I’ve worn it out. I think i can just use the other end . I coiled it be k up then finished packing. then I made a cuppa.

Okay back to the trail it was 8 am and I pushed on down for a bit then I past 2 tents but these were not happys or Bob’s . with me further I crossed a bridge over a murky stream . But I needed water so this will have to do

I began to climb out and omg it was a nightmare there were long slabs of rock and in the dry they are quite fun but in the rain they were treacherous . They were so slippery I almost crawled over them so my speed was crap. should of done this last night I winged to myself and staggerd on them I had to go down on these too even more scary . I pushed when I could and evdntuly climbed up onto an large open area but it was now misty so couldnt see much at all . When I reached the second open ace the sun was trying to come out and so I was greeted with an amazing view of New Jersey.

I was now heading down and the him of cars began to grow louder and louder the lower I became. I eventually emerged out onto the high way. To my left looked ike a store and garage so I headed in that direction. The garage looked deserted more of a tyre place. so no goodies to buy. I was just about to walk back when a man who was filing his car said there is a shop just up there. I thanked him and carried on walking.

I was heading to the sports shop but I was just passing a bar. when I noticed what I thought was a hiker sat in the garden .So I headed there instead. just around the corner out of view was Happyfeet and Bob Narly. Why hi guys I said they had empty plates in front of them . Foods good Snail.

I went inside grabbed a soda and then ordered a burger and onion rings and a beer

The beer was so good I necked it in one so ordered another.

The place was very hiker Freidly and I was amazed how busy it was for a Sunday morning then I realised most where in to watch the football world cup final.

I really liked the bar as it backed up to a large lake. Many cabins dotted around the outside

The locals outside where very friendly and were interested in our hikes. My food came and the onion rings were amazing and my burger good. But I needed another beer. so went to get one and pay up . The barlady was so happy that she brought me a drink .

I enjoyed my beer sat in the sun watcbing the birds on the lake whilst my phone charged. But I sadly I needed to hike and now that the sun was out it was hot and I had been here far too long so my target of 20 miles was beginning to fade that with the slippery rocks this morning.

I walked the shortway back to the trail and pushed on and of course began to climb but on e I was up I stayed up and again was rewarded with some great views.

But the sun was getting hotter and hotter that the salt began to sting my eyes. so climbed up through a small corridor and was greeted with another fire tower but no one was manning this one today. But sat in front were several families who were enjoying their hike. and with a fantastic view.

I said hi then began my decent back into the forest where I stayed for about an hour . I was just about to start a climb when I met a lady coming the other way She introduced herself then asked me my name. Do you know the commander and Aussie . Yes I replied. ones my husband I’m going to meet them

I continued my climb and then I was at a large pavilion on the hill. At the far end sat Happyfeet and Bob Narly.

I joined them and took off my pack for 5 minutes. Then three children and their father arrived. she was Kenyan but lives in Florida The other man with him was trying to explain about us hikers and the Applacian trail. They were very interested. Be then offered us some water. So we followed him down to his car . he gave me 3 bottles which I topped u my bladder with. We all thanked him then returned to the trail . Happyfeet and Bob Narly were soon out of sight it I plodded on watching my clock slowly advance then I emerged out of the forest and there was the shelter.

Happyfeet and Bob Narly sat o the grass by the picnic table. Hi all I said waking over to the sheter. The shelter was full if young kids on a weekend camping trip. Snail.theres water in the bear box. I filled up my bottles.

Where are you staying Snail they asked. I had planned on several.more miles. as I had only done. 15. But then I decided that I was going to stay so went and found space for my tent. Then cooked. dinner

Start

Finish

Miles 15