We stopped for a rest beside the trail. The constant presence of the leeches and their vast numbers was taking its toll.  For two days my annoyance had been continually building like a slowly inflating balloon, and things were about to go ‘pop’.  I looked at Mike sitting on a rock in front of me wondering how he could appear so calm; surely it was bothering him too?  With that thought I grabbed the utility knife from my pack and with a firm but shaky grip on the handle, I thrust it in a downwards motion…. Continue reading →