J37 – 1/23/2006

Serge started with a good up hill taken in short strides, the wind is blowing with gusts up to 100 km per hour.  At the 12th kilometer he reached the border of Bosnia-Herzgovina which, since the dismantling of the ex-Yugoslav republic, makes an enclave of 14 km that cuts Croatia in two.

After Slovenia, it will be the smallest country crossed.  Back into Croatia the sun is hidden, the thermometer reads 3°C and has trouble rising.

After passing the Bosnian enclave, Serge and his followers crossed a team of soldiers and civilians (no doubt a program of the EUFOR) who were de-mining the roadside.  Serge thought about taking a few steps off the road to relieve himself but was warned not to do so by a soldier.  Let’s be careful!

The wind is hellish, René’s cap blew away – Serge is doubled over to run.  He finished the stage in good shape, refusing his last feeding.  Upon arrival in Zaton Serge was accompanied by a black dog for 2 km.  Runners, be assured it was a nice dog who ran ahead and then waited for him, tail wagging.  So, there was no fear of being bit on the calf.