The route on Day Four takes us in much the same direction as Day Two in the beginning, with some variations to give a different view of the area. 10 kilometers out is the first rest area, and due south of this is Overasselt. According to records, one of General Gavin's 82nd airborne drop zones was very close to this rest area, if not right where we were resting. 

More of this Feature • Day 1 • Day 2 • Day 3 • Day 4

Related Resources • Gary's Nijmegen 2001 Walk • Wendy's Nijmegen '99 • Gary's Ireland Walk • Gary's Luxembourg Review • Gary's Viborg 2-Day Walk Review • Gary's Hærvejsvandring 300K

From Other Guides • Europe for Visitors

Elsewhere on the Web • Nijmegen 4-Days Walk

Leaving the rest area and continuing takes us through Nederasselt, and then to the 2nd rest area just before Grave. In Grave, over the Maas river, is five bridges, the largest being a nine span bridge. The 82nd was tasked with capturing the largest bridge and one of the four remaining smaller bridges. Failing to do so would have jeopardized Market Garden. It was also in this area that a Lieutenant Colonel commanding American artillery, dropped to assist the 82nd, broke his ankle on landing and spent the battle being carted around in a wheelbarrow to command his troops.

Leaving Grave we march towards Gassell and then towards Beers. Beers has significance as it has a very prominent church steeple and can be seen in the distance. The problem has always been for the first year marcher that the steeple gives a landmark, but the road swerves and to depend on it coming closer can be heart breaking. It is the fourth day, and this does not represent encouragement, so this year I look out to the fields and concentrate on anything but my feet.

Near Beers is a sub-rest area. It has been a recent addition to accommodate walkers on the fourth day. I am getting very tired and the lack of good training is taking its toll. My legs are locking up in the back and I am, for the first time, really fearful and concerned about making it to the end.

Beyond Beers is Cuijk and the pontoon bridge. The bridge is erected every year for one day, and only for this march., The Dutch military has divers on hand just in case someone falls in. I am not aware of this ever happening, but every year they come and build the bridge and are there to protect the marchers…just in case. This year I notice rows of seats placed on one side of the bridge.

The approach to the bridge becomes an ordeal. I never confirmed it, but it appeared they opened the bridge for boat traffic, as I have never experienced a backup of walkers before. We are shuffling our feet as the crowd is moving slowly on the other side of town towards the bridge itself. The shuffling action does not agree with my tendons running through my thighs to the front of me knee. My legs are locking up and I am truly afraid now. I am concerned I won't make it to the other side of the bridge.

Eventually we get to the bridge and I have the space to walk normally again. But the damage is done. My thighs are locked and I begin to falter and wonder if I will fall before I can get to the end of the bridge. Adjacent the far side of the bridge is the third rest area. I see the tent with the Red Cross on top and make directly for it. I approach the table where a medic sits and ask for assistance. Then I sit down. I cannot go anymore.

A medic helped me to a cot and I explain my situation to a doctor. She gives me a pink pill. I then get a massage from a Dutch specialist. I don't know what that pill was but after that and a massage I am good to go.

10 kilometers to go and I feel wonderful. During the last leg I dance with women and accept free beer and make my way slowly to the finish. Not because I have slowed down but because life is short and the Dutch are wonderful people. It takes me much longer than usual to get to the finish and I do not care.

Eventually I see the golden arches of McDonald's, the sight for sore eyes for the military marchers. This marks the end of another Nijmegen. I enter the last field, the last rest area, get my Number 4 for my medal's ribbon, and sit down with Dutch and Swedish friends and enjoy the inner celebration of having conquered fears and distance on my feet.

Next year in Nijmegen? And why not?

Pages >> Intro, 1, 2, 3, 4