Nijmegen Marches – Day 4
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The day started out quite damp, but not the heavy down pours of yesterday afternoon; just gentle rain for about an hour and then the sun came out to play!
We were on the late start today (5.15am UK time!). I have found that the extra hour in bed on 2 days made a huge difference. The crowds were out in their masses. The locals of Nijmegen don’t seem to sleep and are out on the streets drinking beer cheering us on as we start the walk each day!
From Curijk onwards (14km from the finish) the pace slowed right down, and the public were handing out Gladiolli to all the walkers. I enjoy walking through Mook (my Mother family originally hale from this area of Holland and take the towns name as their family name)
There was lots of messages for people doing their nth Nijmegen March, the highest I saw was 56, but on the news there was an 85 year old chap who was walking his 60th March – impressive!
The medals for this event are well worth earning. The medal for two years has a crown, after that you get pins with numbers to go on the ribbon, until your 5th walk, when you get another special medal. I am not sure John and I will be progressing beyond two!
Nijmegen Marches – Day 3
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It was an early start today. At the beginning of the week Day 3 was meant to be very wet, but with the exception of a very heavy down pour as we approached the finished, it was a hot sticky day!
Having not seen much of the Military Marchers yesterday we saw lots today & they walked with us for all but the last 5km. They are very motivational with all their marching songs – but my favourite today was a unit from Denmark which played the pipe and drums. It was lovely to listen to and ensured you kept a good pace!
We stopped for coffee and lunch, with an additional unplanned stop at the Military Red Cross, where I had my ‘mean”blister from day one re-dressed. A nice young Dutch soldier looked after me very well! This one blister is causing me huge discomfort (mainly when I stop walking!) It really needs a few days rest from heavy pounding of the streets to let the bruising and swelling go done …. still only one more day.
Day Three is the Day of Groesbeek, and we walked the seven hills (probably the only seven hills in Holland!) They were steady inclines, which were quite hot work in the heat of the day, but do not compare to the likes of Offa’s Dyke!
Ten minutes before we reached the finished the heavens opened and the rain poured down. By the time we had checked-in and got back to Vanessa & Dirk’s house we were soaked! Luckily I have some dry boots for tomorrow; I am not sure how long they will remain dry as we have rain forecast for the morning!
Tomorrow is our final day – Our last 40km! 3
Nijmegen Marches – Day 2
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We had a slightly later start today (they alternate the start times for the 40km march because there are so many participants!); the extra hours in bed made a difference and I found the going much easier today.
We had a couple of firsts today!
- Saw our first person doing the event in clogs — yep proper wooden clogs. You can hear them well before you can see them
- Met up with 27 UK Bobbies from different constabularies in the South of England. They looked very smart in full uniform including their helmets.
The weather was much cooler today and we had the odd spot of rain – but it was warm rain, so not unpleasant or tough going. More rain is forecast for tomorrow, fingers crossed it does not start before we finish.
We took today with a more leisurely attitude stopping for a coffee break and lunch. The bands and local disc jockeys were out in force, so we were suitably entertained along our miles. Day 2 is known as the Day of Wichen, because you spend a large amount of your walk going in and around the Dutch town of Wichen!
No new blisters today, but we did pop into the Red Cross Tent to get yesterday’s blisters re-dressed (not sure if this was a wise move or not! – will let you know tomorrow). We are back on the early shift in the morning – so must away to my bed now. Goedenacht!
Nijmegen Marches – Day 1
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An early start, crossing the line at 5.30am (4.30am UK!). The weather was better than forecast and the sun was out most the day, which made it hot work in my Hotpants. The atmosphere was great with the locals supporting us well with music and refreshments. We were interviewed by Dutch TV and asked how walking together in the Nijmegen Marches was growing our love for each other …. John admitted to being an un-romantic type of chap and hadn’t thought about the marches in this way!!
We completed the 40km in 7.30 hrs; visited the Red Cross tent where a couple of blisters were sorted; then had a little lie down in the sun!
We have now replenished the carbs, and about to retire ready for another early tomorrow!
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