And so the journey begins
Last Sunday, April 2nd. The very first day of my months-long journey to Santiago de Compostela. It was a magical day filled with extraordinary moments. I couldn't have wished for a better start. Extremely grateful to everyone who was part of it. 🙏💕
My Camino started by the Chapel in my hometown, Kapelke van Genuuj. After a cozy brunch at the nextdoor restaurant, it was time to light a candle in the chapel and strap on the backpack. Big hugs, a couple of tears, a wave goodbye and a big smile.
Right from the start we regularly came across the sticker that showed us the way to Santiago. It is still such a long way to go, but it’s wonderful to be walking on a path that points in that direction from the first steps.
The route passedby the town Steyl, where Jos&Shelly came to meet us. A good reason for a break.
After a short 15km walk we arrived in the town Belfeld. Here we enjoyed our first overnight stay at my dear friend Tamara, Joost and little Jonah's home. A nice bed, a delicious meal and their company where greatly enjoyed. A good first night!
On day 2, Mom and I walked from Belfeld to Roermond. 24 km in the sun. On the way through the forest we came across other signs with 'Route to Santiago de Compostela'. A wonderful spot for a break where my solar panel got its first charge. And of course a glass of wine on the terrace in Roermond. That too is part of the pilgrim life!
In Roermond we spend the night in a pilgrim refugio. This is located under the St. Christopher Cathedral. We received the key through the Oranjerie on presentation of our pilgrim pass. We had to search to find the right entrance door of the church. Via a creaking old spiral staircase we ended up in a room below the church, where we met our first fellow pilgrims. With a total of six people, this refugio was fully booked on April 3rd. Which, according to the receptionist at the Orangerie, didn't happen often.
We had to pull our beds out of the closet. Due to the doors in between, there was still some kind of privacy. A pretty cool experience to be able to sleep here. In the evening we went out for a yummy dinner with fellow pilgrim Yvonne (from Panningen) and Henk (already 3 weeks on the road).
On day 3 we walked from Roermond to Thorn in 22.5 km
Day 4 from Thorn to Opoeteren in 29.5 km
In Thorn we visited the church and ate a pancake on the terrace. We had an overnight stay at a lady's house through “Friends on the bike”. Before we left the picturesque village we had to cross a stream. Then on the right was a white house with large numbers 1938 on the wall. We were tolded to ring the bell here. We were lucky, the lady was at home and could delight us with the original Perlgrim stamp of the village for our pilgrim pass. There was also a private St. James chapel on her property. She had continued this from her father and honored both.
The road to Opoeteren was long. The weather was great and the route was nice, but it was just a bit too far. Exhausted, we arrived at a private pilgrim's lodging. The lady had also walked the Camino herself in 2012. Great to hear her stories. Dad picked up Mom, but before they drove home, the three of us went out for dinner.
On day 5 Yvonne and I walked together from Opoeteren to Zutendaal in 22.8 km. Unfortunately there was more rain than sunshine on this day. Much of the route ran through the beautiful NP de Hoge Kempen. We arrived at the campsite towards the end of the afternoon. Here I put up my tent for the first time during this trip, unfortunately it was not in sunny camping conditions, but the tent kept me dry.
Good buddy Robby (guest from Voodoo Divers) came to bring us a hot tea on the mountain bike. What a lovely service. And in the evening he came again to bring us cooked rice with our meal (lentil curry). Hero! The sun on a rainy day.
Day 6 I walked from Zutendaal to Bilzen. A small 10 km. The rest of the afternoon I used to rest my body, and give my feet some extra tlc.
Unfortunately Yvonne had to return home due to an injury to her knee. That made today the first day I walked alone. It felt like I had to acclimatize after having experienced so much already in the first 6 days. Having a non-walking afternoon was therefore very pleasant.
After a very good night sleep and a good breakfast I put on my shoes again in good spirits.
Day 7 - today. 22 km from Bilzen to Tongeren. Beautiful route and great walking weather. My feet did very well, thankfully.
The first 145 km are ‘in the legs’ as we say in Dutch. Calculating the distances between places and finding a place to sleep is still a bit of a puzzle. But other than that I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Spring is in full swing, blossoms are everywhere. Along the way I have already seen some lambs, butterflies, bees, birds of prey, squirrels, ducklings and a pheasant flying by through the field.
My first week. A week full of special moments and beautiful encounters.
Happy Easter everyone and see you next week!
