I wanted to start early, because I had 29 km to go, but not too early, as in the morning it would still rain. By the time I arrived in Pont-a-Mousson by train, it was still raining heavily, but when I got back to my route some 2.5 km later, it pretty much stopped raining, so that was good timing. I got back at 9.15.
The first bit wasn't too interesting; after that came a mix of open paths in high (and very wet) grass, and tunnels created by small trees and bushes. Lots of elderflowers. The grass gave me very wet feet, then in one of the tunnel paths one foot sank into the mud (as I was trying not to walk through the silk threads with caterpillars that were everywhere); so when I reached some (cleanish) puddles on the road that going around wouldn't have made any better, I didn't even mind. I prefer wet feet over muddy feet.
Just after Mamey, a fox stepped onto the path ahead of me, looked around, saw me, and sprinted back into the bushes. My third fox!
Then came a very nice, fresh, green forest, the sort of forest I have in mind when I hear the word 'lush'. I enjoyed it very much.
After Martincourt, both my book and gps track said to go right, but the marking said left, and 'modified trail'. My map agreed with the markings (it is very new, came out a month before I left), so left I went. Over a road of very sticky mud that made my shoes heavier, then some more forests and an extra village. And after that a nice little river and another enjoyable stretch of forest. However, this modified part of the trail did add some 3 km to my (timewise) already somewhat ambitious plan.
Later, a field road treated me to two hares, one of which sprinted away as fast as it could, but the other stood on the path on its hind feet, looking alert, but allowing me to look at it. And even get closer.
Then another village, and after that the last stretch of (again very nice) forest for today. The day ended with walking through two villages that are attached to Liverdun, then Liverdun itself, and finally its medieval town, which is really nice.
An extra kilometer to the campsite where I arrived shortly after 20.00, tired (over 35 km behind me) and with aching muscles in my legs.

Geschreven door Jewaontheroad