Despite a nasty hangover from last night’s over indulgence, I set about hiking a new section of the local river this morning.  Unlike the Han, there are very few bridges.  Well over two hours into my walk I finally reached this bridge:

But it was a freeway. So, I could either turn around and retrace my steps (something I absolutely despise doing) or I could seek out a new route home.

I chose the later option.  The only exit from the river trail was across a narrow concrete jetty through the adjacent rice paddies.  I could see traffic way off in the distance, so I figured what the hell.  The farmers must have thought I was nuts.

So when I reached the highway I saw a sign that pointed to Pyeongtaek/Ansan.  Well, that’s generally the right direction although I live in Anjeong-ri.  After a goodly long walk my road intersected with highway 45 leading to Pyeongtaek.  Problem is, that’s a major thoroughfare not conducive to pedestrian traffic.  So, I took a detour and walked through the sleepy little village of Bucheon-ri.

At this point I was at the three hour mark which is pretty much my max and I wasn’t entirely clear where I was or how to get to where I was going.

Nothing to do but soldier on.  After awhile I saw a taxi on a cross street up ahead.  I wondered about the odds of his turning in my direction (well, I guess they could have been 50-50).  He did turn my way so next I wondered if he might be empty.  As he approached I saw that he was indeed without a fare.  Deciding it was providence I flagged him down and said take me to Anjeong-ri.  A few minutes into the ride I realized that if I had walked on for ten more minutes I would have known where I was.  But that was still a 45 minute hike away from home, so I was glad to be in the cab anyway.

Had the cabbie drop me at the street market where I purchased some fresh bananas for tomorrow’s traditional Sunday smoothie.

24,500 steps and I have no (ahem) egrets.