Nijmegen 4 Days Marches - Day 3
Netherlands
Distance 39.8km
Thursday 18 July 2013
Day 3 of the 97th Nijmegen March was another early start. The announcement today said that today was the hardest of all four days as the route was very hilly. I think it was even warmer today, more than on the previous two days, and that was before we started.
The band played, salutes made and we set off, marching through the gates. Once out of the forest we crossed the road then turned left and moved onto today's walk which turned back onto a very similar route to the day 2 route, heading west. We soon joined the other walkers and again the numbers of marchers and crowds numbered thousands.
Once we had left the houses behind we were in open fields, and you could see all the walkers ahead and the walkers behind. Masses and masses of people.
Today though instead of turning right then left and crossing the canal, we turned left and walked by the canal, well one of the canals. The Netherlands are full of canals. As in the previous two days it soon became warm and the sun cream was used to great effect. Initially there was very little shade, as we walked towards Malden.
At Malden as always there were the local dignitaries, bands playing, bunting, people cheering, flag waving and children handing out sweets, biscuits, pieces of fruit and water.
Then it was over a bridge that crossed the canal and we continued south east further along beside the canal. Some of the views were stunning.
Just before Mook we crossed back to the eastern side of the canal and continued south east. Then it was a turn north over a lake.
We turned east, then moved a brief distance south east before we turned left and headed north. We were now about half way on day 3, heading towards Groesbeek.
At Groesbeek I came across the first windmill of the walk. Which reminds me of all the other typically Dutch things I had come across on the trip. I had seen someone doing the walk in clogs, whether they did the whole walk in clogs I don't know. Every now and again I would even hear the tune "Tulips from Amsterdam" brilliant, what an experience. It was a proper party atmosphere with clowns and stilt walkers.
After Groesbeek we continued north and started climbing the hills. As we started the climb we could see the crowds in front.
At the top of the first rise, we could see the route drop down slightly before climbing again. In places there was quite a lot of shade yet in others the heat beat down, not to worry locals were always on hand to provide water from sprinklers to cool us all off.
Coming off the hills we were back on the flat and now heading west through the last built up area Berg en Dal. A quick stop and we were on our way again.
For a short distance we continued west then turned south west back into the shade of the forest. It was not long before we were back at the camp.
The distance we had covered today was 39.8km, so after a couple of beers, it was on with my admin. Sort my kit ready for the next day, some dinner, a quick soak of my feet, shower, then give my feet a good rub for luck. Before going to sleep and rest for tomorrow.
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 4 Nijmegan March 2013.
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