Nijmegen 4 Days Marches - Day 2
Netherlands
Distance 35.4km
Wednesday 17 July 2013
Day 2 of the 97th Nijmegen March started much the same as Day 1, except there was a little more tape on the feet.
We were lined up early again, before the birds started singing. In fact I think it may be us that woke up the birds. Even though early, it was still warm. We marched from the camp to the band and salutes. On reaching the road we turned left and joined the crowds. Unbelievable so many people walking at that time in the morning, and already people were out waving flags, playing music, cheering us as we marched past. We followed the main road west before turning sharp right.
As yesterday I was surprised with the numbers of people up so early to watch. Many local people had moved their chars and seats, settee's and tables into the street to watch us and the thousands of other people march past. It was then I realized they were happy for anyone to use the chairs, even some opened their homes for people to enter, for the toilet. Some charged mind? Anyway the atmosphere as the day before was indescribably good.
A left turn and we soon crossed a large canal.
We were continuing west with a few twists right and left. The route took us over a main road then turned right through what looked like a small animal petting farm. The track was very dusty. Part of the route so far was a lot more sheltered than the route yesterday, which was good as it was starting to get a lot warmer. A quick stop before the route turned right and we were heading towards Wijchen.
The crowds on the sides of the roads thinned a little for a few km. Then as we reached the outskirts of Wijchen the bands were out and playing, I wondered how long they would sit there and play? A left turn then right towards the centre.
A sharp right and we were in the centre among crowds and crowds of people. It was unbelievable the people we saw, British police?
Another turn, north this time and we were moving passed more dignitaries, with chains of office saluting and waving as we marched through. Over another main road and we were travelling more north east now through open country towards Beuningen.
We crossed a narrow canal with its lock, flood gates. We were probably a little over half way now.
At Beunningen we turned right and headed east back towards Nijmegen. A short distance from here we were following the river on the opposite bank to the route one we had walked the day before.
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| The new bridge in the distance. |
We then saw the bridge we had crossed over on day 1, only a few km to go.
A turn right, south towards the start/finish into the centre of Nijmegen. The crowds here were a lot larger than on day 1, amazing. We continued through Nijmegen back towards the campsite the way we had walked on day 1, passed the church and the beach volleyball courts. Passed a care home where everyone was out to watch us march past. Then into the cool shade of the forest where the campsite was.
Today we had covered a distance of 35.4km. Then as on day 1 a quick beer, well a slow and relaxed beer or two, no two would do for today. Some admin, sort my kit out for tomorrow, a spot of dinner, soak my feet, shower, give my feet a rub for luck and sleep.
More to follow
Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The Nijmegen 4 Day Marches or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
Follow link to next Day 3 Nijmegan March 2013.
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