As usual, by the time I exited my tent nearly everyone was gone. Maybe if I didn’t snooze anxiously when it became light I might do better! I was about to go straight on the trail and have breakfast later, but then thought ‘I like breakfast. HYOH’.

The day was due to be a hot one with over 1000ft of climb with little water. Accordingly I loaded up with 4 litres of water. There was the possibility of a location called ‘Mike’s place’ having a cache and once this was confirmed by a Southbound hiker I immediately ditched 2l!

After a hot 11 miles and a few chats with fellow hikers I arrived to find ‘Mike’s Place’ stocked with beer, soda, water and the promise of home made pizza! It was very much appreciated as the temperature had got to 30°.

The people looking after this little property were ex-hikers who found it difficult to go back to normal life! A little eccentric but very good natured. As the afternoon went on more hikers arrived and it became apparent that this was to become a bit of a party, so a few of us decided to move on which led to my first night hike as the sun went down.

So now Alex, Calum, Tim, Gavin and I are ‘Cowboy Camping’, that is camping in our sleeping bags without tents, seeing as space is limited and the night is mild. Another first.

Tomorrow we’ll all meet back up at Paradise Café in the evening. They allow camping behind the building so we’ll stop there get up to consume their excellent breakfasts! I’ll explain my subsequent plans tomorrow.