Along the Chiemsee With Family by My Side

Daily miles: 34.79 | Total miles: 15,366.21

I got up just after 6am, quietly had a cold coffee, packed my things, and got ready for the day. By 7am, I was out the door. Irmgard, the owner of the place, was just about to head out to get fresh bread for breakfast later that morning. And just as I was leaving, my cousin stepped outside as well to wish me a good day. A small moment, but a warm one.

The morning felt cool again, though thankfully not cold. I knew it would be a long day ahead, especially because I’m still walking at the moment and trying to figure out how I want to approach the next stretch of this journey.

When my crew showed up after about nine miles, I wasn’t exactly in the best mood. Pain has a way of narrowing the world sometimes, and I notice that when my body hurts, patience and friendliness don’t always come naturally. But I also think that’s part of the challenge—not just covering the miles, but trying to stay kind and open even when things feel difficult internally. And looking back, I think I handled it pretty well.

At mile 13, they waited for me again and helped guide me down toward the Chiemsee. That was beautiful. The lake, the atmosphere, the soft light over the water. We walked along the shoreline, and there were unbelievable amounts of mosquitoes everywhere. Clouds of them. Thankfully they mostly left us alone, but wow, there were many.

Later, I asked my cousin Andy if he wanted to walk with me for a while—and he ended up joining me all the way to the finish. About 18 miles together.

What a gift that was.

We hadn’t seen each other in about a year and a half, and suddenly we had hours and hours to talk while simply moving forward side by side. Sometimes conversations unfold differently while walking. More relaxed, more honest, more spacious.

Along the way we met the rest of the crew again, and also Marcus, a guest in a café where we stopped briefly. Then Andy and I continued on together through the Bavarian countryside toward Rosenheim.

Later, my sister and Pia came out to meet us and walked the final two miles back to the house together with us. Somewhere along the way, we stopped at one of those fresh egg dispensers by the roadside—which somehow felt wonderfully German and wholesome at the same time.

Back at the house, they had prepared a small appetizer for us, and shortly afterward dinner was served: spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil, chili pesto, and a salad. Perfect food after a long day. Perfect company. Perfect atmosphere.

Live, laugh, love.

And honestly, that’s a bit what these past days with family have felt like. Warmth, support, laughter, care. My days have become softer around the edges again.

Thanks family—for being here, for helping me, and for transforming difficult days into lighter ones.

And thank you for checking in. Andrea