They called it a hike, but it was more like a marathon while carrying bowling balls. Twelve miles with full pack, rifle, and helmet. Did I mention that it was raining and the red clay swallowed not only boots but legs to the knee. Hike indeed.
Hike of rain and mud
Burdened and wet to the sin
Twelve miles and then warmth
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 
Hard to say I like this. I do like this very much & I can’t wait until the scenario you’ve captured so masterfully here ceases to exist.
Salute!
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Erg. Sounds so miserable. It may have saved lives at some point for those put into active battle situations but who is thinking about that at the time….
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No fun Padre. I caught a chill just reading it.
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As brutal a hike as any I’ve ever taken. Masterfully written in such simplicity, and brevity! Bravo!
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A fitting poem for me to read today. I’m our early… for a 12-mile hike. For me, the additional weight will be 2 large bottles of water
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kaykuala
Burdened and wet to the sin
Twelve miles and then warmth
It would have been such a relief at the end of the day with the ‘warmth’!
Hank
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I hope you enjoyed the warmth at the end of this gruelling 12 miles!
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I remember a similar soldier’s test many years ago. Ours was 50 percent longer (30 km) but I think it rained a little bit less…
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Great descriptions. It comes through that this is more of a forced march than a hike. It really makes me not want to be there.
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