Started this morning for the final 12 km to the southern terminus at 07:30 with Tom. It was cloudy. In Maastricht city we got a slice of forest fruit vlaai. We crossed the river Maas. We hiked up the Sint Pietersberg. We reached the endpoint of the 500 km trail around 10:00.
We took a couple of photos, finished the loop and enjoyed a hearty and well deserved breakfast at the restaurant nearby. Said goodbye to Tom, and took a bus to say hello to my aunt and uncle who live in Maastricht. Following a shared lunch, I am now sitting comfortably in the train back home.
All in all, the Pieterpad was a solid, straightforward walk, even if it didn’t quite blow me away. Its luster came from the personal. I made an effort to connect with more people than I usually do and on this I succeeded. For my next holiday, I think I’m ready to trade the hiking shoes for a different kind of adventure. Thanks for tuning in.
As always with love,
Joris
