Leaving everything behind and traditions

On the trail you learn to know yourself on a deeper level, you wil face problems and mentally challenging points on the way… Or so they say. But wat I hadn’t hearth before is how hard it can be to leave. 

Leaving

I thought I had prepared wel, gear shots where taken, blog published, everything seemed ready. With emphasis on seemed… Because gear isn’t everything. Leaving your house in a way that isn’t a disaster for when you come back is a challenge on its own. Last minute dishes to be done, cleaning, making sure the fridge is empty en disconnected. Also learned you need to open the fridge and freeze so it doesn’t get smelly. Disconnecting electricity and gas and so on and so on.

And the there is the emotional part. I would have never guessed it would be so difficult to leave everything behind. The day before leaving I was super excited. I couldn’t wait and everything was ready. I thought I would never be able to fall asleep. But then the evening came. Sitting comfortably on my couch with a blanket around me and my stuffed animal in my arms it finally daunt on me. I would have to miss my safe comfortable place for three to four month. I hugged so hard with my stuffed animals, watched a comfort movie and almost cried. 

The next morning was the same, every thing I did felt like way to big steps to take. But I took them. Last cup of oh so comforting coffee. Last walk in the neighbourhood. Last time my mourning ritual. And then finally, closing the door behind me.

Arriving 

The sadness finally started to eb away during the drive to the Netherlands. And when we arrived it was totally gone. The enthusiasm got the overhand. Putting up out tents and then, finally running to the sea! 

The second day at start location came in to live to chill and hang out with my dad for another day before I start hiking. Some beach walks, some swimming and a big traditional. You can’t walk the gr5 without bringing a bit of sea water from te North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. So of course. I brought a little flask and i(gnoring the extra weight of it all) I collected some water. Now the GR5 can really start!