A great combination: first walk and then rest in the same journey (pilgrim Fleur Feij about her journey)

My Walk of Wisdom didn’t go as expected. Fortunately, I would almost say.

In the biting cold of Wednesday, I spontaneously got a lot of pain in my calf muscle. Walking for hours on end without (except in the evening) a place to warm up and relax the muscles (and probably some other factors) took its toll on my day 5.

I managed to find a physiotherapist with the help of Lunchroom Bij Moeders in Grave (after I had called three who didn’t have a place) and I got a free lift from one of the employees as well. Super sweet.

I felt right away that I wasn’t going to continue. Walking with pain and character was not my intention. The physiotherapist advised the same. Luckily I was quick, so it wasn’t a serious injury, but an overload of my big calf muscle. And going longer would mean a longer recovery.

I ordered a taxi to my place to sleep for that night (De Veroovering in Ravenstein, recommended!!) and there everything came together. The tranquility of the place, the good care of Nathalie, a well-stocked bookcase, a lovely bed and ditto breakfast.

I thought: I want to stay here for a while and luckily I could. I stuck to it for two nights and completely relaxed. My body relaxed again and I had time to process all the impressions before I would go home. And a great combination: first walk and then rest in the same journey.

My Walk of Wisdom was a special one. Just like yours will be too. I was surprised by all the lovely people I met along the way. Hardly any (fellow) hikers by the way, but super hospitable catering entrepreneurs (despite all the measures), nice stay in De Elegast in Ubbergen, dear Friends on the Bicycle in De Horst, Mook and Overasselt and finally the super nice stay in the Garden House of De Veroovering coaching with career and life questions in Ravenstein.

Thank you for the beautiful route and the special surprise in the Lady Chapel.

Text and photos: Fleur Feij