Today was the most grueling day so far. We hiked 17.3 miles (28 kms) in 6.5 hours from Bouzies to Cahors, France. That is (and will be) one of the longest days of our hike. My watch says I took 39,365 steps, climbed 47 flights of stairs, and burned 2,583 calories. The temperature started out cool at 69• F at 8:30 am, but shot up to 89• F at noon, and dropped slightly to 87•F by 4:30pm when we arrived in Cahors. As a result, we were all parched when we arrived in Cahors, and decided to stop at a taco shop to get some liquid energy (Lipton Iced Tea and Coca-Cola). It is amazing what these drinks can do for your energy level!
The terrain today was tough. We had everything from total rocks on an old railway line to some fine sand in the middle of the woods. Yet my 2-year old boots handled every challenge.
Despite the various terrain, my boots did their job. So I decided to honor them with a few verses.
My boots wait patiently by the bed
Not knowing if the day ahead
Brings sand or grass or mud or rocks
Or tiny pebbles in my socks.
They wrap my foot with a protective hand
And push me forward across the land.
They never fail to grip or bite
The earth below with unfailing might.
They smooth over the rocks and soften each stride
And keep my foot from a twist or slide.
But all of these miles take their toll
With dirt, and grass, and rocks in their sole.
They never complain, come what may,
For they live to hike another day.
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