The rigours of the road are taking their toll on Nick. He makes an interesting point that we never hear about Paddy encountering such issues (and rarely are these things mentioned in the SOE stories we read). Whilst we may be a little ‘softer’ these days, I suspect that similar injuries may have been encountered but perhaps were not considered important enough to mention. To me all this is fascinating and I like to know about the strains, and the aches, and the blisters!
For the past two weeks I’ve been laid up in Ulm, on the outskirts of Bavaria, suffering from Achilles tendon strain. It dates from the sudden steep hills of Baden, when I pigheadedly continued walking despite a nagging pain in my ankle, which increased in jolts and jumps until I was practically hobbling. Luckily I found refuge with exceptionally lovely people who didn’t mind me sitting around rubbing ice on my feet all day, necking ibuprofen, growing my beard and generally feeling sorry for myself.
It’s been an anxious, frustrating time, but at last I’ve reached the point of no pain, and I’m setting out again tomorrow. The German healthcare system is amazing — I’ve been given free ultrasound therapy and acupuncture, and have been fitted with an ankle support and custom-made insoles for my boots. The most important thing, of course, was simply resting up. And it taught me a lesson…
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Patrick Leigh Fermor 
Perhaps there is something to be said for a pair of nailed army boots. The condition of civilian feet in the mid to late thirties, especially young middle class, was markedly different to those of the young today. Army recruiters across the developed world complain that recruits’ feet are generally unable to sustain the initial training period without a deal of remedial treatment.
And anyway Paddy was but 19? when he started his journey, and naturally fit.
I suppose it’s too early to source a modest castle occupied by two caring nymphomaniacs!