Here's the first town we walked through on the first day.  The people were fantastic everywhere;  it was like a hero's welcome every time we went through a town.  Kids would line the street for high fives, people were holding out bowls of fruit, cucumber slices, candy, throwing flowers, etc.  

Here you can see the line of people behind me still crossing the bridge over whatever river that was.  41,000+ people walked in the event.  Classes ranged from 30km no pack, 40km with and without a pack, and 50 km without a pack, per day.  I walked the 40km with 15kilo pack class.

Here I am standing under the famous(maybe) boots and hat at the Camp Heumensoord (Human Sword!) gate at the end of the first day.  This route was 28.5 miles.  I completed it at 1400, with the time limit set for 1700.  We stepped off at 0430 that morning.

Here's a bunch of people walking.  The event began as all military, but now, sadly, military marchers are vastly outnumbered.  41,000+ walkers overall.

Hooray Beers!

My friend is sad that we are out of Beers.

And here I am, just finished the last day and got my medal.  I was kind of happy at this point...

Until I found out there was a 5k victory lap.  We gathered all the Americans we could find and made a little formation.

There were dutch girls everywhere with signs for free kisses.  Of course I couldn't say no.

100+ miles and this was my only blister.

And of course, the after party!

This was easily the most rewarding experience of my life.

Update:  video finally uploaded

Well done fella!