First Leg, Almere-Buiten to Blaricum, 19.8 km.
We set off untrained and only somewhat prepared. We chose to tackle the initial few legs of our Camino Vida as part of our training, meaning we would do them on non-consecutive days.
I had originally intended to walk to Laren, but as my legs started to feel sore near Blaricum, I opted to shorten the journey. Kiwi performed admirably on this first leg, I think even better than I did.
Second Leg, Blaricum to Utrecht, 27.8 km, cumm. 47,6 km.
We are both learning, me to trust Kiwi walking of leash most of the time, making her own decisions and Kiwi, learning what I expect of her.
Like watching out for things, walking left or right of me, keeping up, etc
This was a beautiful walk, which I planned myself. Mostly unpaved roads and paths. Closing in on Utrecht, were I was hoping to get my first pelgrimage stamp, the legs were very, very sore again.
Third Leg, Utrecht to Wijk bij Duurstede,29,5 km, cumm. 77,1 km.
I first went to get my first pelgrimage stamp in St. Jacobi Church in Utrecht. Because it was Good Friday I was hoping for a early opening of the church, and yes.
Kiwi was with me again, and it turned out to be a great walk. Mostly a long The Kromme Rijn
Forth Leg, Wijk bij Duurstede to Zaltbommel, 26,1 km, cumm. 103. 2 km.
Leg four was definitely the leg with the most kilometers of paved streets. Not my cup of tea so to speak. I was though the second leg on the actual Jacobspad, named Jacobsweg Amstelredam.
The tiny little town of Buren was the high-light on this leg
Fifth Leg, Zaltbommel to 's-Hertogenbosch, 26,1 km, cumm. 129,3 km.
On our way to get the second pelgrimage stamp in the Saint Johns Cathedral in 's-Hertogenbosch. A mixed paved and unpaved walk. Legs began to feel more trained/ less pain at the end of the day.
On the way back we picked up some Boscche Bollen at patisserie of Jan de Groot, to satisfy the home front.
Sixth Leg, 's-Hertogenbosch to Spoordonk, 28,6 km, cumm. 157,9 km.
Walking on Kingsday. Really getting the feel of the province of Brabant.
The weather was so nice for a hike. Still on the Jacobsweg Amstelredam.
Kiwi is doing great, no problems what soever. Training is paying of for the both of us. I am walking since we left Almere with a Granite Gear Crown 60 liters backpack, loaded with some stuff, water and food.
Seventh Leg, Spoordonk to Vessem, 17,8 km, cumm. 175,7 km.
The 15th of May, we went for the next leg a relatively short one. We parked next to the Bernadette Church in Spoordonk. Soon we found ourselves in the beautiful Brabantse countryside.I added some kilometers because of it, along the Kleine Beerze.
We ended up in Vessem at the Pelgrim Hostel.The only Pelgrim Hostel in The Netherlands. The keepers gave me a free cup of coffee, which was much appreciated.
Eight Leg, Vessem to The Achelse Kluis, 27,2 km, cumm. 202,9 km.
I decided that this would be the first one with an overnight in our tent. My backpack for this leg was 10 kg in total.