Day 2: 48.2 km, 26 degrees

Day 2 started around the same time as yesterday, so I was off for today's 48 km at 4.15 AM.
The humidity was unreal; so initially it seemed to become quite a tough day again, but it turned out to be quite nice, given that high clouds reduced the intensity of the sunshine and the heat was tempered just that little bit, and a slight breeze made it feel much better.




The result of this was that after 4 hours, I had completed 24 km, and I only had that same distance ahead of me. People were a good bit quieter this morning, the first day had really tired people out, so  only in the course of the day most walkers became 'alive' again. Same for me - with the only difference that I had actually started with a coffee this morning.

As my breakfast was a bit earlier, my lunch was that bit earlier too, so I had a pasta bolognesa at 8.30AM, unusual, but so good! And I walked much faster after that!

In Wijchen, one of the towns along today's route, I was met by my biggest supporters. They were quite cheerful when I arrived; the little once a little puzzled when I left them again to continue on the road...

Roads were wider today, so it was easier to walk at my own pace. And surprise surprise, more supporters along the route...

General supporter who was slightly (just slightly) mad:

... and my other big supporters, mum and dad, were there to cheer me up for the last stretch into Nijmegen.

The 4 day walks are certainly an occasion for big promotions, of which a result can be seen below. The number of free items (mostly food and drink) along the route is just unbelievable; one could walk without bringing any snacks and get away with loads of stuff for free. Companies are handing out new products: apples, tomatoes, muesli bars, sweets, etc. and kids are offering buckets or plates with crackers, sliced cucumber, liquorice and many other treats. And plenty of people are supplying free drinking water or a free cool shower to anyone who is interested :).

The last part of the walk went through the western part of Nijmegen into the old city... lovely ending to the walk on this Pink Wednesday - to celebrate the acceptance of the gay part of our society.

So, good day today, lots of things to see which made the walk very easy and fast. I finished at 2PM and very much enjoyed a cold beer at the finish line.

Forecast for tomorrow tells me it's going to  be a hot day; so I'd better walk fast in the morning and take a few more breaks in the afternoon... it's going to be the 'Zevenheuvelendag' or 'Seven hills day'... well, I trained for that in good old Wicklow, so I hope that's going to pay off. Tough it will be, that's for sure!