Enigma Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 Hi All I just returned from the Belgian Ardennes for a commemorative march with 3 others from a re-enactmentgroup I belong to. Lots of other re-enactment groups and civilians attended. Althouh we hoped for cold and snow it was warm (6 degrees celsius). I soon found out I was overdressed along with 1 of the others, wearing fur lined boots also turned out to be a bad decision. Although there was no snow I did wear a 1943 snow pants and a white painted helmet. The route consisted of 3 lenghts; 5, 15 and 20 KM (about 3, 9 and 13 Miles). The 3 others of the group took the 5 KM route, I took the 20 KM one. I joined a few Belgian re-enactors and buddy'd op with 1 of them, he marched quite fast which I like. At about 3/4 of the way I really began to feel my feet and some strain to my legs. The boots had seperate insoles and 1 caused a blister at my heel. The countryside is somewhat hilly not too steep though. For small parts we were led through the woods where re-enactors had set up display with vehicles and foxholes. The last mile was a bit uneven with some loose rocks and it also started to rain a little. Met some fellow re-enactors from the Netherlands and Great Brittain. I met M8 greyhound, whislingwolf and a Greg (HMVF?), didn't see Joris though. The last few hundered feet (downhill) we did running. We were glad we completed the march. Now as I write this I have sore feed and muscleaches in my calfs and thighs - ah well; nothing compared to the hardships the guys in 1944 must have endured. I gained some extra RESPECT for the veterans after this! On 17 Feb. next year antoher march will be held in La Gleize. I heard that that one is very intense because the country side is much more steeper, also it will get very cold I think. Don't know if I will attend... Me http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/ArdennentochtDec2006008Small.jpg[/img] M8 greyhound looking into the enginecompartment. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/ArdennentochtDec2006002Small.jpg[/img] Jeep http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/ArdennentochtDec2006026Small.jpg[/img] Displays http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/ArdennentochtDec2006024Small.jpg[/img] Quarry near the end of the route. http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/T214/ArdennentochtDec2006040Small.jpg[/img] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 Well done mate go for it :azn: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 I wanted to pee in that hole bit chickened out.... Was a great march and a great day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted December 17, 2006 Author Share Posted December 17, 2006 How are your feet?? Going to the 82nd A/B march in February? I heard its a very difficult one to walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted December 18, 2006 Share Posted December 18, 2006 My feet are quite okay, only one blister! Not sure about the february march thouhh.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whistlinwolf Posted January 1, 2007 Share Posted January 1, 2007 Hey Enigma, how you doing, hope the march wasn't too bad. We met outside the shopping precinct where we were fixing a half track for some dutch guys.. Cheers Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted January 1, 2007 Author Share Posted January 1, 2007 Hey Enigma, how you doing, hope the march wasn't too bad. We met outside the shopping precinct where we were fixing a half track for some dutch guys.. Cheers Tim Hi Tim Yep, you were in the Jeep. I had muscle aches for a week, but I am glad I marched the long route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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