New Valley Hills

Surprisingly I don’t sleep well. Being indoors feels stuffy and hot. Even with the window open and the duvet pushed off. I’ve acclimatised to being outside then.

Throughout the night the church bells chime and peal. It doesn’t disturb me. The peals are familiar but different with bits missing. I realise with sadness it’s my hearing loss making some bells unhearable. Brings home how much I cannot hear without my hearing aids in. I’d posted them home a fortnight ago.

Alarm at 0600 for bag repack and the luxury of a morning shower and a towel bigger than 2sq ft. Breakfast included but 0830 is the earliest they’ll do. The weather warning for high winds has gone. I’ve got 32km to next campsite and rain expected from 1300. I’m packed and dressed ready to leave asap after breaky.

Rain was forecast from 1300. Thankfully it didn’t come in until 1630 blanketing the path with mist. I was very wet when I arrived at the campsite. Setup tent, got inside, everything is wet. It hammers down. Food guzzled, hot shower, bed. Night!