“Little by little, one travels far.” -J.R.R. Tolkien

THE JOURNAL OF SAMWISE GAMGEE

Oct. 2 – Day 10: 16 miles

On the 10th day from the Shire, and the third from Bree, the hobbits finally leave Chetwood. Strider leads them into the Midgewater Marshes, keeping well away from the main road to avoid the Riders from Mordor.  The day is miserable with damp walking and stinging insects. Sam is quite vocal about his displeasure, but nevertheless manages to coin a word for future generations of hapless marsh walkers:  Neekerbreekers!

Here below are the notes Samwise Gamgee took along the journey.  (Based on the meticulous milestone-marker notes on the Eowyn Challenge which are based on The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Fonstad which of course is based on all the wonderful works of J.R.R. Tolkien.).

(Mile 165)

Photo by Johannes Plenio, Pixabay

“We’ve walked through Chetwood now. I’d be glad to see it gone except for what’s coming.”

From: “The Journal of Samwise Gamgee, 23 Sept – 20 Oct, 3018.

(Mile 173)

Photo by Skeeze, Pixabay

“The ground is getting wetter with every step. We’re on the edge of the cursed Midgewater Marshes. The view isn’t half bad here on the western side, but it don’t make up for my soggy, itchy feet!”

From: “The Journal of Samwise Gamgee, 23 Sept – 20 Oct, 3018

(Mile 179)

Photo by Marisa04, Pixabay

“Strider led us into the marshes and he cannot lead us out fast enough! The land is boggy and dangerous with no permanent path. Pools, reeds, and rushes but no birds. Too bad. They’d get fat on all the flies, biting midges, and these blasted flying Neekerbreekers! They’re louder than crickets and no one can sleep!”

From: “The Journal of Samwise Gamgee, 23 Sept – 20 Oct, 3018.

BACK TO EARTH AUTHOR NOTES

Feature Photo “Aplejkie, Julierpass” by Pasja1000.  

*This journal is a fanfiction creation by Niki Flow, based the beautiful works of J.R.R. Tolkien; on the meticulous milestone-marker notes in The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Fonstad and on the Eowyn Challenge website:

Bag End to Rivendell with Frodo and Company:  458 Miles