Freedom, Rivers, and Simple Happiness

My alarm rang at 6:00 a.m. I got up, had a cold coffee, packed my things, and was ready to go. In the lobby, people were having breakfast, and just as I stepped outside the hotel, a man approached me.

"Can I wish you good luck?" Well, of course! Jasper from Belgium had read the print on my shirt and wanted to encourage me on my way. How nice, I thought. It was a wonderful start to the day.

I was in a very good mood as I made my way back to the river and onto the beautiful La Voie Bleue cycle path. Throughout the day I met so many people that at some point I decided not to stop for every conversation. I knew I wanted to cover quite a bit of distance today.

The morning along the river was simply breathtaking. Birds danced in the morning sunlight, the water glittered beside the path, flowers lined the route, and the cool morning air carried a feeling of freshness. Once again, I felt the privilege of being out there alone with all that beauty.

Sometimes I cannot quite believe that I am allowed to see, hear, feel, and smell so much freedom, tranquility, and peace.

I often feel completely content with my life. There is very little that can truly be taken away from me. I will always have my memories, my experiences, and my destiny. There is something deeply freeing in that thought. I love it.

Back to the run.

I met Kathrin, who told me that next time around I could stay at her house. When she said that, I couldn't help but laugh and imagine another lap around the world.

Would you all still follow me?

A little later I met Gery, who had been hiking for a few kilometers and simply couldn't believe what I was doing. Then came Bernard and Doris, another lovely encounter along the way.

Around mile 17, I stopped at a grocery store to buy everything I needed for the rest of the day. There I met a woman whose name I unfortunately forgot, as well as John from England. A few miles later I met Kathrin and Pascale.

The people just kept appearing.

At one point I stopped at a small café beside the bicycle path. Gi made me a wonderful espresso to keep my legs moving and surprised me with a little frog toy whose tongue rolled out when squeezed. It made me laugh.

It was a long day on the road, but a good one.

Every now and then I stop and sing. Sometimes I dance. Sometimes I simply stand still and look around. I very much enjoy being out here. After all these miles, I still find joy in the simplest things.

When I finally arrived at the campground, my original plan was to pitch my tent. Then I asked about the cheapest sheltered option. After hearing the price—and receiving a discount—I simply couldn't resist. Sometimes comfort wins.

Later I went to the campground restaurant with my own food and met Evelyne and Bram from the Netherlands. We had a lovely conversation and rounded off what had already been a beautiful day.

Now I am very tired once again.

But the people, the nature, and the simple fact that I am still running around the world continue to make me incredibly happy inside.

Thanks for checking in. Andrea