Distance today = 50.01 km; Total distance = 20,323.27 km; Location = Niska Banja – 43 18.100′ N, 22 03.324′ E; Start time = 0833, Finish time = 1733

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/306646901

It was cooler today – it only reached 34C.

The good news was, with the help of some hints on treatment from friends and readers, my heel spur was much better today. I will quote Bob Dylan again, and “won’t speak too soon, for the wheel’s still in spin”, but the signs are positive. There was still some pain early, but the second half of the day was much better.

This obviously allowed me to enjoy the day more fully. The weather was again stunning, although still too hot for running.

I reached the city of Nis by the early afternoon, a place we have visited once before. It was in 1986, with our good friends, Vanessa and PT, along with another (now) friend, Robyn. I say “now”, because we had only just met Robyn in Istanbul at the time, while we were travelling with V & P. She was going to hop a bus to Belgrade, but agreed to a lift in V & P’s yellow Kombi as far as Nis, and then a bus to Belgrade (the rest of us were heading to Dubrovnik).

We got into Nis very late at night, and decided to have a rest day, which included a fancy dress party in the camping ground. I went as an elephant. Fun times, and now we’re back again, minus our friends. However, we all still keep in touch and see each other from time to time, and I’m sure they all fondly remember the fancy dress party in Nis.

Anyhow, Nis is much bigger now, and it appears that the camping ground does not exist anymore. What a pity!

I finished my run about 14 km to the east of the city. Tomorrow I will continue towards Bulgaria.

PS Although he is safely tucked away in bed now, it’s a big happy 7th birthday to the Ty-Man.