Thursday, June 11, 2009

Stage 54 - Gällivare

Another 13 hour funfest just completed, and we're now in the town of Gällivare. This is an iron mining center which had a huge collapse a few years back, right under a section of town. What has been put in its place since is not prepossessing.

In our 60 mile journey today on the E45, we passed through only one small town. That was it. This really is "the back of beyond". The day started with plenty of rain, then heavy, grey skies, and finally a huge downpour to suck any fun out of the last hour.

At the risk of turning into Bridget Jones' Diary ... I saw only one reindeer today, but he was a majestic beauty.

Extremely sore feet today, but they only have to hang on for ten more days. The MRI machine travelling with us has diagnosed them as "very inflamed but no structural damage". But seriously - ouch!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm tired, hungry and have aching feet just reading your post! The achievement of a lifetime is almost within reach! Trudge on!
Okies

Markus said...

Hi Russell,

Great you have another though long stage under your belt. The Northcap is coming closer. Actually you are ;-)

Keep on running
Hello from rainy Colorado
Markus

MW said...

Fantastic, Russ. You continue to bewilder me.
Spoke to my dad yesterday and he sends his regards. He said he reads your updates every day, and is amazed that he saw you several weeks ago and you're still trekking along. He's truly impressed.

Great job today! Hopefully the weather gets better soon.

Claire said...

Come on feet...just hang in there for 10 more days!!
Can't wait to see you, swollen feet and all!
Love ya

Val said...

Glad your feet aren't broken! You're almost in single digit days!

muna said...

Hey, Russ, it pleases me no end that your legs and feet are holding up so well and the worst bits now are eating chocolate cake and only seeing one reindeer. :) Way to conquer the miles!

Ramsay said...

OMG!!! You are almost in the single digits. HOORAY!

David Mather said...

WOW you are amazing!!!! What an achievement already.....When you start to think about the 10 days as being a difficult just reminder yourself you could be trying to do 2010 planning with a straight face....now I ask you which one is easier......okay maybe the planning...but for you I have no doubt you will have a wonderful 10 days

Lee Simmons said...

Russell, seriously. This is about as far from Bridget Jones territory as it gets. May the home stretch be soon and successful.

Scott Mc said...

It's quite amazing to think that while I was going about the day to day in Austin, you've racked up another 60.

Anonymous said...

Hi Russ - We are continuing to watch in admiration. Doing some walking in the Pyrenees this week - yesterday we were slogging through snow 10,000 feet up a mountain dressed with cold weather gear and rucksacs and a guy passed us running in shorts and a singlet. I guessed he must be a friend of yours. Best wishes the Beanlands.

Diana said...

You are doing an AMAZING job- so close!!

Melissa said...

Russell,
You don't know me but I received the link for your blog from a running group here in Austin & saw your bit on the news before you left. I just wanted to let you know I've been reading your posts everyday & cheering you on! I'm so impressed by your dedication and I admire your determination. Keep it up - you're almost there - amazing!
-Melissa Howell