Below are the blogs of 2016. (at this moment automatic translated, sorry for the automatic translation mistakes, I hope to change that soon, en in case you can voluntary help with translation, please let me know).
This was the first part of my pilgrimage. That year I rolled from Haarlem to Den Bosch in the following day stages:
Haarlem – Amsterdam
Amsterdam – Hilversum
Hilversum – Utrecht
Utrecht – Culemborg
Culemborg – Zaltbommel
Zaltbommel – Den Bosch
Den Bosch and to home
Looking Back
09 Jul 2016
All settled
All overnight stays have been booked and I am ready to go.
Today I packed my bag, loaded wheelchair and spare battery and then I drove a test drive of 25 km with all my luggage. I drove to Nieuwveen, Zevenhoven and Nieuwkoop among others. I wanted to test the spare batteries and they are still of sufficient quality so fortunately my range is sufficient for next week.I’m almost ready!
10 July 2016 Pilgrim blessing and stamp.
Today I received the pilgrim blessing and the first stamp in my pilgrim passport was put by the priest of the Bonifacius church (parish Saint Thomas) in Alphen aan den Rijn.
13 July 2016 The first day, Haarlem – Amsterdam
Today rolled from Haarlem to Amsterdam.
This morning we went to Haarlem by train.
Once there, I first looked around in the city. Haarlem is a beautiful city and stands with Jacobalia (things that refer to Jacobus) because it has been a real pilgrim city since the Middle Ages. You have streets that are named after Jacobus, facing bricks, churches and much more.
At 11.00 I had an appointment at the Jacobs Godshuis to get a stamp. I also got a nice cup of tea and then a guided tour through this beautiful building. They also have a very nice chapel (see photos).
After I left the city from the start line that had left for your Jacobs Godshuis.
I then came through Haarlemmerliede. There I found a Jacobs church (did not know it was there) and then I rang the pstore and asked for a stamp. And that is now very beautiful in my passport. It is a nice stamp.
Then rolled again. Through to Amsterdam. I drove through different nature reserves. Was a nice ride.
Then I was a little too early in Amsterdam and decided to drive around and look for a booklet containing the route that I am about to drive. Especially because there are the important things that I want to see on the way. Fortunately, I found the booklet with a travel book store.
At 18.30 I arrived at my overnight address in Amsterdam, where I slept in the pilgrims’ hostel of acquaintances. There I got a delicious (organic) meal and after chatting a bit, it is now time to sleep.
Tomorrow another long day rolling.
14 July 2016 Amsterdam to Hilversum
This morning I had a nice breakfast and then rolled from my sleeping place to the center. To the beguinage. I hoped for a stamp but unfortunately did not succeed because the priests are on holiday and nobody knew where they have the stamps.
Then rolled through and made a picture of the plaque of the miracle (see photo). And just as quickly at the Amsterdam museum inside. There they keep a medieval pilgrim badge and also medieval shoes. Was nice to see. Then quickly again because I had a lot of kilometers to roll.
Then on to Hilversum. The landscape was very varied today. Polders, pastures, ponds and forests and heath. Just before Hilversum I had a nice long forest path I was very tired and I almost thought I would not make it anymore, suddenly a deer ran through the forest, that gave me the energy to continue on those last kilometers. Unfortunately no good photo can take. Furthermore, the forest was also very nice, there were many raspberry bushes and forest strawberry plants with ripe fruits. So that was a nice snack.
I have now arrived at Casella (convent of sisters Augustinian). My bed is already spread out and I’m going to use it today.
It was a long drive today. When I left Amsterdam, my counter stood at 32 km and now at 74. So I had 42 km. I feel that I do not have to do this every day but I made it !!! Tomorrow on to Utrecht!
Below are a few photos of Amsterdam, the Dam, the stone in the wall for the memorial of the Holy Stede (hosti miracle in 1345), and a painting of this Miracle of Amsterdam in the Beguinage.14 July 2016 Amsterdam to Hilversum
This morning I had a nice breakfast and then rolled from my sleeping place to the center. To the beguinage. I hoped for a stamp but unfortunately did not succeed because the priests are on holiday and nobody knew where they have the stamps.
Then rolled through and made a picture of the plaque of the miracle (see photo). And just as quickly at the Amsterdam museum inside. There they keep a medieval pilgrim badge and also medieval shoes. Was nice to see. Then quickly again because I had a lot of kilometers to roll.
Then on to Hilversum. The landscape was very varied today. Polders, pastures, ponds and forests and heath. Just before Hilversum I had a nice long forest path I was very tired and I almost thought I would not make it anymore, suddenly a deer ran through the forest, that gave me the energy to continue on those last kilometers. Unfortunately no good photo can take. Furthermore, the forest was also very nice, there were many raspberry bushes and forest strawberry plants with ripe fruits. So that was a nice snack.
I have now arrived at Casella (convent of sisters Augustinian). My bed is already spread out and I’m going to use it today.
It was a long drive today. When I left Amsterdam, my counter stood at 32 km and now at 74. So I had 42 km. I feel that I do not have to do this every day but I made it !!! Tomorrow on to Utrecht!
Below are a few photos of Amsterdam, the Dam, the stone in the wall for the memorial of the Holy Stede (hosti miracle in 1345), and a painting of this Miracle of Amsterdam in the Beguinage. A beautiful forest path, my fine bedroom in Cassella and a photo of the stamps of my pilgrim passport so far.
15 July 2016 Day 3. Hilversum – Utrecht
Today from Hilversum to Utrecht rolled. Have had a good trip. Walked through beautiful nature areas.
Furthermore, I keep the blog short and without pictures because I do not have wifi today.
I sleep with the sisters Augustinianen in Utrecht in a great room with a view of the Jacobi church. What more could a pilgrim wish for than that!
Below you can see my view this evening, and the fact that I have already rolled almost 100 km.
15 July 2016 Day 3. Hilversum – Utrecht part 2
Today finally my story from yesterday.
Yesterday I walked from Hilversum to Utrecht.
After a good night’s sleep with the Augustines of Casella, the morning prayer was at 7.30. There was extra attention paid to my trip and I got a nice scallop from the sisters! I am very happy with it. He is now hanging on my bag in front of my wheelchair. After the morning prayer we had breakfast and I packed the last things and left around 9.30. First a piece through the forest where I also saw beautiful mushrooms. Very big (if someone knows what they are called I would like to hear)! I also came through Maartensdijk. Unfortunately there was no one present at the Maartenskerk so there was no stamp. Then rolled through. On the way, I drank my water bottle and therefore went inside for a while at a physiotherapy practice (is easily accessible) and asked for a bottle of water. It turned out that one of the physiotherapists had cycled to Santiago. And I he filled my bottle and put a stamp in my pilgrim passport.
Then rolled over to Blauwkapel, just walked around the beautiful church and then quickly again.
Then I was almost in Utrecht. In Utrecht almost all churches appeared to be open in the center. So I have been in different churches and every church also had its own stamp. Of course I started at the Jacobs church. Which is also close to the Augustinian sisters.
After visiting 6 churches (where I also received stamps) I went to the sisters.
I was very welcomed there. I got a room with a view of the Jacobs church. And not just a view but I was almost against it. From my window I did not think more than 10 meters away from the church! Nice place.
I had a sandwich with the sisters and then went to the evening prayer. Then there was also a meeting of Sant’Egidio. Who have a prayer service every 2 weeks with the sisters.
Then we drank some tea with the sisters and heard many of their beautiful mission stories from the time when these old sisters were still young and lived and worked in Asia or Africa.
Then went to bed on time.
16 July 2016 Day 4. Utrecht – Culemborg
This morning, after a wonderful night’s sleep, we first went to the morning prayer with the Augustinian sisters. Then I packed my bag and drank some more (tea) with the sisters. 1 sister showed me the view of her room. On the 3rd floor overlooking the cathedral! Very nice (see photos). Then left. I was waved off by a swaying committee of three sisters. Very nice!
Then I first rolled to the old Jacobs guest house. The house and the statuette of a pilgrim put in the picture behind the house. Then I went to Houten. There the church looked up. Unfortunately, there was no one to put a stamp on (there was no one at home in a presbytery, just sat in the chapel and had a chat with two people walking to the chapel at the same time.
Next to the church was a market. They already started cleaning up. I asked for 1 apple and got it free from the greengrocer (he did not ask me to tell this because then everyone comes for 1 apple, but you do not tell me anyway?).
Then to Schalkwijk. First looked at the Protestant church. Was a small old church but unfortunately I could not enter. Then to the Catholic Church and there the chapel was open. Was a very nice chapel with good accoustiek that I have tested with some Taizé songs (apparently I look like grandma, initiate knowing what I mean).
Then I went on the road again.
On the way I rolled past the castle gardens of Jonkheer Ram. There is little of the castle. There is a kind of metal work of art in the form of a castle and there are gardens. All stands with small statues of medieval soldiers standing in front of them.
I also regularly walked along the New Dutch waterline and saw many bunkers. Then again on the way to the ferry to Culemborg. It is a nice ferry that is tied to the middle of the river with a rope with small boats. When I arrived at the other side I was almost immediately in Culemborg. But because the B & B showers village is on the dike I had to roll 2 km. Meanwhile, I sit on my bed and have made my instant couscous with hot water (I do not have more cooking possibilities here) and I have eaten up early and I go to bed early because tomorrow I’m going to roll to Zaltbommel again.
17 July 2016 – Day 5 – Culemborg to Zaltbommel
A little bit of a blog. But with this still my walk from Culemborg to Zaltbommel. I left from Culemborg around 10.00 AM. Just a quick look around and because it was Sunday went to a church first. It was difficult to choose, the choice was as follows: the Barbarakerk or the Barbarakerk or Barbarakerk ….
That so simple to remember that it becomes complicated … the Roman Catholic, PKN or Old Catholic Church, in Culemborg all three have just the same name.
I finally went to the Barbarakerk.
I received a stamp from the priest in my passport.
After the celebration I had a look around in this beautiful old town (and have seen the other 2 Barbarak churches from outside) and then I rolled again. A quick visit to the orphanage museum and then quickly on the road.
It was again delicious again.
En route through beautiful areas. You can also pick lots of fruit such as blackberries and even a Japanese wine berry. Yummy!
Also seen many churches, unfortunately only from outside because even though it was Sunday all churches were closed when I came along.
At departure the meter stood at 126km and at arrival 154. Was a good ride.
Arriving in Zaltbommel I was invited to the owner of the B & B to eat with. That was very nice.
Then I went to bed early
18 July 2018 Day 6. Zaltbommel – Den Bosch
This morning we left early (around 9:00) in the direction of Den Bosch, but first we took it easy and looked at Zaltbommel. First went to the Catholic Church but nobody was there and the door was closed. Just when I wanted to leave, a man came cycling who entered the church. He called someone to put a stamp and I was also allowed to view the church! Very nice.
Also rolled along the other churches. There is a nice big old church with beautiful (or are it just ugly) gargoyles.
Then we looked at other beautiful streets. Many beautiful old houses seen.
Finally rolled to Den Bosch. Was not that far. The landscape consisted mainly of water and meadows. Rather beautiful.
In Den Bosch arrived still rolled through the city. At St. John’s for a stamp and then for a celebration, it was the day that all Young people left for the world youth days and the service was actually for them. therefore we also had a celebration with the bishop.
Then to my guest address. Roll about 10 minutes from the st. Jan so that’s good to do. I’m staying here at a cycling game grid. Having a nice chat and eaten and now to bed.
At departure the meter stood at 154 km and on arrival at 178 km, but I rolled a little extra (like every day) to visit beautiful places.
Last day, Den Bosch – House
Today finally the report of my last travel day.
The last night I slept well again. at the moment I left my accommodation address, the hostess was already at work. however, in the kitchen everything was ready for a delicious breakfast and packed lunch. (if you read this, thanks again!)
Then I rolled to the center and went to St. John again. there is currently the possibility to view the images on the airbows by going on the day. and since that was possible with a lift, I also went upstairs. very nice to view all those images. there are very funny figurines in between, men, women, musicians, workers, animals, monsters and angels (1 very modern angel, she has a cell phone!). I thought it was very worthwhile to look at that church there.
After Saint John I rolled a bit through the city, towards the former Jacob church. this was the last Jacob church of this trip. this church has now been changed to the Jheronimus Bosch art center. a few photos taken from outside but have not been inside. wanted to see the city even further.
After that I spoiled myself with a Bossche Bol and then I rolled to the station and took the train home. It has been a beautiful pilgrimage, full of beautiful encounters, special conversations and have seen a lot of beautiful nature (if you travel with max. 6km per hour you can see everything so much better!) And also visited beautiful old cities.
It was certainly susceptible to repetition (or actually continuation).
Next time I hope to leave Den Bosch and then travel via Vessem to Maastricht.
When the next stage will be I do not know yet but I will put it here and it is nice if you follow me again.
I’ll keep you up to date!
October 4, 2016 looking back on a special trip
Today I wanted to look back on this special trip, which has now come to a halt but hopefully will continue when the winter is over. as it looks now, I hope to leave in the May holiday of Den Bosch and then roll through Vessem and Postel and then continue via the ‘Via Monastica’ Belgium, or via Pelgrimspad via Maastricht.
Meanwhile, the journey is already a few months behind me, yet I think back a lot.
it has been a very special “walk” for me.
For several years I regularly visit monasteries, this hike was very similar to me. it was physically active, but mentally very soothing to roll through all nature.
While walking you look at things differently, I could enjoy all those beautiful little flowers in the roadside, the bees and dragonflies that flew through, everything is made so beautiful when you pay attention, actually a pity that we do not always to do.
I also enjoyed all the special and impressive buildings, churches, castles, old cities, bunkers, etc. of course the churches, unfortunately they were not always open but the ones that were, I certainly thought worthwhile.
they are all things that I often pass by in ordinary life, things that are worth looking at for a while. everything is so much nicer if you take your time!
In recent months, my wheelchair has been broken, that happened in Den Bosch, just after my arrival, although I did not expect it would be such a long lasting repair. apparently my wheelchair was enough.
Tomorrow I get the last repaired part back. That is why I have not been able to make new small pilgrimages / walks.
But I hope that now my wheelchair is repaired again I can slowly start walking again and prepare again for possibly. shorter pilgrimages and of course the next big stage and I hope to make a lot of kilometers on my way to beautiful experiences.
