Yesterday’s Lesson

Lesson learnt from yesterday – set off as early as possible, and than even earlier, and be walking the trails by sunrise – we were out by 05.45 and heading by tuktuk for the start of Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail, the place where we finished Stage 1 yesterday. 

Trekking Stage 2

We passed the colourfully dressed tea pickers arriving in packs to complete their hard day’s work, and then again whilst they paused for their 10.30am break and just as we were finishing our trek for the day. It’s just too hot to be trekking after this time. I don’t know how the women tea pickers do it.

Stage 2 was different to Stage 1 – more steep inclines, fewer plantations passed, a village we walked through called Delthota, a lot of forest areas and spectacular views across to Knuckles and other mountain ranges. From the various vantage points the scenery was truly spectacular. 

Our guide today was Sarath and his knowledge of the area and the trails seemed to have no bounds. In the 1990s he began plotting the different stages of the trails using just paper maps and compasses which is now come to be known as The Pekoe Trail but it was only officially named as such and opened last year (2023). 

Next year

I hope to return next year and attempt to complete the remaining 20 trails with Sarash as my guide. As it’s around 300km it will take me 3 weeks + to complete I think. If this appeals to you then maybe you will join me for a part of it! 

But in the meantime we’re looking forward to tomorrow when we’ll celebrate the start of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year at the shelter with the girls who Suzana and Krystyna have been spending time volunteering their time and skills with over the past couple of weeks.

Over and out for now! After tomorrow it’s two days’ rest in Negumbo before flying home. 

Our video of today

Further sponsorship – I’ve reached 95% of my £30,000 target which I am so pleased about of course. Thank you for all your support in so many ways. If you’ve been enjoying my blogs and would like to help me to hit 100% before I return home please donate using this link.  All funds will be used to help those who have various forms of need in Sri Lanka as you will have seen through my blogs and you can be assured every penny will get to those who need it. Don’t forget if you’re a tax payer to declare gift aid when doing so which will increase your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Alternatively, if you know of anyone or any organisation who may have an interest in this cause please share my blog link with them. And, if you’d like to get involved in anyway please get in touch with me at marciasummers@hotmail.com

If you missed the last blog here it is.

Attractions

Home