So, after an ok nights sleep, I got on my way at 0730ish.
The weather was cool but dry, my physical condition was 'Iffy'.
A potential re- emergence of the sore throat suffered on days two and three was beginning to make itself felt, but of far greater concern is the Left shin, which is giving me grief from the first step.
Control rub and Ibuprofen tablets keep it bearable until about 1400hrs, when it starts to overpower the effects of the drugs.
I am making excellent time despite the Shin, when at around 1230 I cross back into France from Belgium and my mapping system tells me I have 13km left to walk.
However, as I ventured along the farm road indicated, there are ominous signs forbidding access, although with my very limited French I note that walkers are allowed. I pass the farmhouse without incident and continue 250 meters until I come across a barricade of barbed wire, an industrial grade fencing panel, several trees and other debris blocking the trail for as far as the eye can see. I double check the mapping system and confirm that this is definately supposed to be the way?
By now the farmer is watching me from his yard and I don't think he looks like the type that would welcome me climbing into the field that runs parallel with the path, so I retrace my steps passed the farmhouse and back to the border point. As I approach the farmer he says nothing, gives a knowing smile and jumps in his car and drives away.
I reach the border again and ask the mapping system to find another route. The results are not encouraging.......alternate route 1 through the Forest (although signs warn of Boar hunt in progress and warn people to stay out. The sound of distant horns and frequent gunfire back the message up. Alternate route 2, around the Forest and by road the rest of the way totalling 26Km!! Double my original distance left.
With no choice, it's head down and commence marching.
After 12 KM I come to a small town called Signy-le-petit where a bar is open serving coffee. I take a break and have a large coffee. My shin is refusing to accept the medication and I am now walking with a noticeable limp!
Eventually, I reach my base for the next two nights. The Dutch couple that run it are fantastic and invite me to join them for Dinner at 7pm. I accept and enjoy a home made potato and egg salad, steak with peppercorn sauce and chips, all washed down with three dumpy bottles of Kronenborg.
We enjoy some pleasant conversation about my trek, how they came to leave Holland and start a riding business in France and, most amusing of all the youth of the world!!
At about twenty to nine, I made my excuses, the shin was hurting a lot and my throat was now really sore! I hope tomorrow's rest day gets me in a better physical state for the final weeks walking.
www.Justgiving.com/fundraising/remembrance-walk
Comments