My first impression upon waking was a sense of relief. I slept well and this gave new energy for the day ahead. The sun was already out, piercing the treeblossoms. Broke down camp, filled up my water bottle and was on my way around 0800. Legs felt good. The trail led past a castle, a meadow (no bulls in sight..), many a farm and the first quentissential windmill.
I had two songs stuck in my head, so I gave them an actual listen. The first was one hand in my pocket by Alanis Morissette. It’s a good song, very truthful. The second was that’s the way it is by Celine Dion (in collaboration with hit-producer and inspiration Max Martin). I overheard a whisp of it sometime yesterday in one of the villages. During my next break I looked up a youtubevideo of a live version of the song. Said video pulled on my heartstrings, so whilst seated on a treetrunk, I cried a little.
There was a small herd of six horses in a meadow. Five of them grazing, one sentinel standing watch near the trail. I approached the sentinel, who didn’t regard me as a threat and allowed me to stand in its presence. I felt fortunate to have the horse’s grounding effect pull me into my body (I started yawning and felt lighter).
Arrived in Zelhem (first section done, 17 km) at lunchtime and had a bite and a coffee. Picked up a dinner (pasta-salad) for the evening at the supermarket and was back on trail around 1400. I took a photo of two shetland ponies because they’re cute.
A hot afternoon. Fields of grass flowing with the air. Combines sending up clouds of dust. A woman in oncoming car showing me consideration by slowing down as she passed. Me paying it forward by stepping onto the shoulder of the narrow trail give way to a group of children. On a dirtroad a car sped past me at preposterous velocity. Me unable to keep a profane exclamation to myself. A moated castle makes me long for older times. I remind myself that I am fortunate to have spent three nights in castle Sevenaer this year. A log pile makes the air fragrant with pine. One of my favourite emojis appears in real life.
I was getting tired, my window of tolerance narrowing. I got triggered more often and regulating my nervous system took effort. The last two miles were a grind. Territory I am well familiar with but nevertheless aim to avoid. Was warmly welcomed by the lovely elderly couple that owns the farm-campground. Coregulation an instant balm to my nerves. Campsite is basic, yet with everything I need. The soft rustling of my tent fabric, soothes. No more sinus issues. Today was the first day I got out my sunglasses. I applied sunscreen three times.
With love.
