She shook her head, not wanting fear to override her common sense. Had her dad stood beside her, she would have found the flowers and said something like, “Aren’t these lovely? How sweet.”
She didn’t want to be dramatic. “I won’t be flipping dramatic.” She placed the flowers to the side and dried her feet, replacing her socks and shoes.
She had many miles left and only so many hours left before sunset. Shouldering her gear, she gritted her teeth, refusing to think negative thoughts, and set out.
8:05pm
I made it to Trawsfynydd right as the sun set, and damn, it was cold as all hell by then. I immediately took a hot shower so I wouldn’t get the shakes after the grueling 27 km day. My muscles did NOT need any more tension (don’t worry, Dad, I spent extra time stretching and gulped down several glasses of water with our favorite electrolyte additive).
I feel great now. I’ve eaten and done a small load of laundry at the hotel’s complimentary launderette provided for guests. Embarrassingly enough, I must have dropped the pair of underwear I wore the first day in Wales on a trail somewhere because they are no longer in my dirty clothes baggie.
At least they were of the plain cotton variety and not some glorious silk and lace confection Aunt River likes to gift me (sorry…TMI).
Today was great except for the weird flowers I found on my bag. Today was great. I waded into a fast-runningstream—ankle deep was as far as I went. Brrr! The water was so crystal clear and cold, I refilled my water filter bag. I swear it was the best water I’ve ever tasted.
I’ve gotten so used to not having phone service during the day that when I end the day, the last thing I feel like doing is answering texts and calls. I know! There’s a first time for everything. But if you saw my phone log… Just wait for it, I’ll give you a sample.
Bran: Call me the minute you check in at The Cross Foxes.
He had to have gotten my hotel from Mom! He’s so overbearing, Dad!
Mags: How was the luxe cottage last night? Did you hump the feather mattress?
I have no words for her.
Jonathan: Are you coming home yet? Daniel’s been acting weird. You’re better at sniffing out his secrets. Hurry up.
Ciar: Your friends are still giving me the cold shoulder from that night. I’ve said I was sorry like a thousand times. I’m too old for this shit. Make them stop it.
He doesn’t sound too old for nappies, if I’m honest.
Patrick: River doesn’t like you being gone. She misses you. Come home early.
River: I just read Pat’s text over his shoulder. He’s full of shit. I miss you, but you’d better not come home early. You worked too hard for this trip. Pat, on the other hand, is walking around like a lost puppy. So is Bran. Pathetic.
That was literally only a small sample of them! Mom doesn’t text, but only because she knows I will be calling.
I love all of them and appreciate them thinking of me, but I know very well that if you were with me, this level of cling wouldn’t be happening. I’d like to get all up into a feminist rant about not needing a man, but damnit, Dad, I know I wouldn’t have a care in the world if you were at my shoulder.
So, I do worry. Sometimes. And not just about this hike.
Today tested me. I wish it could have tested you too.
Love you (you shouldn’t have been in that helicopter),
Your loving daughter, Bébhinn
nine
BÉBHINN
Snowdonia Way Mountain Route
Daily Journal
Day 4
Trawsfynydd to Penrhyndeudraeth
