Day three on trail.
I woke in the morning hungry and grumpy, I was tired and my feet were hurting, I don't like these boots.
I got out of bed and the tiny airline pillow I had nicked from the airlines coming over, got it out of bed with me. Upon inspection, it turns out that part of my murdered banana, was stuck to my pillow,,and my ear. I didnt realize it was on the pillow last night , I was too tired.
I looked at my feet as things were not well in that dept. I had bruising across the top of the foot where it bends, and my small toes were swollen. I was starting to feel my knees too, which I was worried about as about 80 percent of all the walking so far had been on asphalt.
I also promised myself to slow down and not try a climb late in the day like I did yesterday. Yesterday had been about the single toughest day of hiking I have ever done, and I was feeling it. Lesson learned.

Of course today started with a climb, but it was sunny at last and the scenery from half way up the valley was tremendous. Today was great, very little asphalt until lunch time, beautiful clear river crossing, and lots of greenery.

the view back to the village I stayed in last night, from quarter the way up the mountain.

half way up todays climb, and someone thinks I need to pray, could be

I met this guy half way up the mountain, he was wild, but didnt seem to mind me much

I eventually made it to Temple 17 late afternoon, but the rain and wind had come back and I was starting to struggle with my feet. I found a great little place to stay next to the temple, with a nice couple who made a good meal for me. When I arrived, the husband took my walking stick and scrubbed it clean( they say the stick is also Kobo Daisha as he walks with you, and should be cared for first at the end of each day) the locals take this very seriously.

my host tonight

I was glad for a bed and a meal for the night, I am beginning to feel pretty worn out, more so than usual, and I think its the food. Its good food, but small meals and not enough nutrition. I am also finding it hard to find places that sell food. A couple of small food marts that have bananas or ham and cucumber sandwiches etc appear here and there, but that and a pint of milk just isnt cutting it.