Day 4

Well I am not quite sure where to start telling you about Day 4.

For 9 hours we trekked through jungle so dense that you spent so much of your time bent over, on your butt or on your hands and knees.

The heat was so intense, like nothing any of us had ever experienced. It was 36 degrees with 97% humidity. It just completely zaps you of energy, it often feels like there is no air and as the hours went by we just seemed to be walking along in a somewhat delirious state one step after the other.  The hills were really steep - up and down.

Everyone has so many cuts over their legs and arms where you were ripped and cut by the jungle foliage as you pushed your way through the scrub.

Unfortunately Jackson hurt his knee a couple of hours into the day and Jerome had to make arrangements to get him out and back to the hotel to ice it. Hopefully he will be back on deck tomorrow, but I am so glad he did not continue on with us - the terrain was just so hard and unforgiving.

After finally stopping for lunch in a shaded area, we still had another 3 hour slog in front of us. Everyone perked up once they got some substantial food into them, it was so hot that any sunscreen you put on would literally drip off in sweat or be wiped off from the constant wiping of your face to try and get some relief from the heat.  Even the water in our bladders was hot to drink.

Sharkie is amazing, he is of course also carrying a camera all the time and filming everything. He runs to the front to get everyone's expressions and is johnny on the spot whenever there is any drama happening - everyone is amazed at his never ending energy.

Once again today everyone was helping each other. Jerome our guide is amazed at how our group is so gelled and all get on so well.   It is the thing that keeps you going - the people around you, checking on you. Helping you, sharing a laugh or a tear. I am sure a lot of this sort of mateship was what kept these courageous POW's going in such horrendous conditions. Mateship is an amazing thing and when you are out in these elements and conditions, it is often all you have.

When we finally came out of the jungle and Jerome once again took us all to the river to cool off, there was a huge sense of relief and pride at what we had all accomplished.

Lots said they had never experienced a day like it and Rhi made the comment it was the second hardest day of her entire life.

Well we are off to dinner now and to find out what tomorrow will bring, I don't think any of us will take much rocking tonight.

Everyone sends their love home.  If anyone gets any time we would love you to post a comment and it will really help to keep everyone's spirits up .

Donna x