More of this Feature • Getting There • Day 1 • Day 2-3 • Day 4-5 • Day 6 • Day 7 • Photos

Related Resources • Christina's '97 Review • Gary's Ireland Walk • Gary's Luxembourg Review • Gary's Viborg 2-Day Walk Review

From Other Guides • Europe for Visitors

Elsewhere on the Web • Hærvejsvandring

The second day AnneMarie fell in with me and we would spend the rest of the march together. She saw right off I needed some support. The route for this day took us along the ancient highway. This highway once went from Viborg, in the Middle Ages when Viborg was a noticeable trading area along with Aarhus, to central Germany. From there other roads took merchants south to Nice and Marseilles as they are known today. The Romans used the southern end of the road to enter Germany until they were overwhelmed by barbarians. The 2nd day was short, 33 kilometers and a welcome break.

The route also involved many old bridges and large stones carved with intricate designs in remembrance of one event or another. There are many old Inns, some still standing to this day. The second day ended in Rade.

The third day I was off fairly well. It took me a couple hundred meters to get going at a good pace. AnneMarie was very patient and before long we were sailing along.

Along this day's route the attachment towards folklore was evident. We passed a stone set off from the road that was said to turn in the direction of bread if it smelled some. OK, I'll buy that. Some people held up bread and perhaps the stone was sleeping in that morning. A third of the way along this day's route we came to the Immervad Bridge. First-timers are required by custom to walk under the bridge to ensure success. I obliged. It was small. I looked silly. But at this point I would do most anything to ensure my success.

The rain persisted, came and went, and AnneMarie and I spent considerable amounts of time going from ponchos to returning them to the backpacks. The weather also turned cold and had a negative affect on the muscles. And the first days drenching was having its affect on my feet. The third night we were blessed with a classroom again. Han and Dick, as always were the first in and had everything arranged. I began to have trouble getting to the showers. AnneMarie told me the story of a Belgian that graced the march last year who was very worried about getting his feet wet after the march, so, no shower. He was not the most approached person after five days.

Next page > Days 4 and 5 > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Photos

Photos copyright 2001 Gary Nelson