Almost starting the Camino…

by

Before dinner walk on a windy beach with my newphe and his girlfriend
Before dinner walk on a windy beach with my newphe and his girlfriend
Sunset selfie with my brother and sister-in-law and Westertoren in background
Sunset selfie with my brother and sister-in-law and Westertoren in background
I’m currently en route by train from Deventer to Amsterdam. Tomorrow I move one step closer to the main purpose of this trip, walking the Camino. I’ll catch a 9 a.m. train to Paris where I’ll spend the rest of the day; Saturday I travel on to St. Jean Pied de Port, de start of the Camino Frances.

The past week I spent in the Netherlands visiting my mom, other family and friends. I managed two practice walks, a 10km one and a 20km one; the latter with (almost) full gear. Both routes took me along the river IJssel. The first one northward; the second south to the town of Zutphen, from where I caught the train back to Deventer. It’s sobering to walk for 4 hours and then be back at your starting point with a 10 minute train ride, but the trains also make it possible to do long one-way walks rather than having to retrace your steps. I include pictures from both walks: farm land and walking routes along the river high with spring run-off from the Alps, shipping on the IJssel, and daunting skies. 

There’s only one word to describe the weather this week: Bad: cold; heavy rain showers; some thunder; hail and sleet. Definitely not spring weather. A shame, because Wednesday was Kingsday in the Netherlands, a national holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday; a big event that attracts many tourists, but many outdoor events were cancelled. Lida, my sister in law, and I spent much of the day at a spa, lounging in saunas and steam rooms.

The forecast for St. Jean Pied de Port, from where I’ll start walking Sunday morning, and Roncesvalles, where I intend to end Sunday afternoon, are not good either: lows of 0 Celcius; highs of 9 and rain. Glad I brought all my rain gear.

OK, so now it’s a few hours later and I’m in Amsterdam. Went for a nice casual dinner with my brother Mel and sister in law Phan. I shot this selfie on the 200m walk home on a bridge on the Prinsegracht with the Westertoren (very famous) barely visible in the background. Either the tower made it in the picture or us, so we all appear a bit chopped off.

Looking back at town of Voorst
Looking back at town of Voorst
Trees in different shapes and sizes
Trees in different shapes and sizes
Nice walking trail between farm fields
Nice walking trail between farm fields
In case I was home sick for North America...at least they serve good beer
In case I was home sick for North America…at least they serve good beer
Forest trail...no need to worry about bears
Forest trail…no need to worry about bears
Dark skies. I love the blue and green contrast
Dark skies. I love the blue and green contrast
Tanker going by
Tanker going by
Shadow of a pilgrim (me)
Shadow of a pilgrim (me)
Universal long-distance walking trail signs
Universal long-distance walking trail signs
High water flooding the flood planes
High water flooding the flood planes
Bend in the river IJssel
Bend in the river IJssel
 

15 thoughts on “Almost starting the Camino…”

  1. Hi Inge,

    The end of your second day. Hope you found
    a nice place to stay. Loes and I admire you and Roy
    having the courage and stamina to walk these long distances.
    Have fun
    Loes and Robert

  2. Great photos, Inge! You look so relaxed and happy.

    Wishing you a safe and scenic crossing to Roncesvalles and looking forward to hearing more about your adventure.

  4. Shall enjoy walking beside you….may this be an adventure that gives to you abundantly. Savour each moment, feeling, thought, connection, sight. Much love to you!

  5. It’s so Nice to read You’re first blog. It makes me smile because I experienced the feeling while Reading the Subscribe of the foto where the dark blue and wet and windy countrysides meet.. Captured in an upminded comment. Then there is a certen smell in the sky wich I love a lot…. I wish You a safe and Wondrous trip. Looking forward to Your and Roy’s foto’s.
    Many Hugs xxxxxx

  6. Great to see the beautiful pictures, Inge! I hope that the weather will improve soon for you. I keep getting the song ‘de paden op, de lanen in…’ in my head when I think of you on your hike… 🙂
    Wishing you a wonderful time on the Camino!

  7. love all the photos! fingers crossed weather guy is wrong! look forward to multiple posts with you both on trips!

  9. Great photos Inge! Sorry the weather is not so great but it should start to improve soon.We are on Pender Is.,staying at one of the beaches and trying to get lots of walking in …thinking of you guys on your trips inspiring us! We await your next adventure!
    Barb&Dennis

  10. Wonderful to be back following in your footsteps, Inge, while you do all the walking. I’m rather envious of all the rain, would you believe. Up here it’s so dry. I love all the green grass in your wonderful photos. Looking forward to your posts.

    Cathrine

  11. Great photos and first blog Inge. Wish I was there doing it with you. I’m inspired and envious. The weather will improve. You GO GIRL! Hugs.

  12. Another challenge and adventure! Your photos of Amsterdam and your family have already brought back great memories for me. It will be wonderful to follow your blog once again.

  13. Hi Inge, here’s wishing you a safe and happy Camino ! Surely the weather must improve and you’ll be able to post your great photos but with blue skies. Looking forward to following you and Roy. We are into autumn here, only 20C yesterday. Cheers, Mike and Liz

  14. Pix are great! Safe travels and I hope the weather is kind. Make sure you spent some time in San Sebastián. The tapas is unbelievable….tasty and cheap.
    I look forward to being a pilgrim (in spirit) with you.

  15. Thanks for the update and the photos Inge. Hoping the weather not as grim as forecast says for SJPP. Travel safe and looking forward to following your and Roy’s adventures! Randy

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