A piece of music just for me

What this place by the ruin does to me is hard to explain, but I sleep like a baby, so sweetly. Occasionally, I wake up with joy to listen to the silence. I cough a little to check if I haven’t accidentally gone deaf. It is deafeningly quiet, and I find this so pleasant. Until the sun begins to glow on the horizon and suddenly I can hear little birds. This after 15 hours of complete silence. As if they are composing a piece of music just for me. It is beautifully fragile.

Happiness and sadness, they can coexist

I find it difficult to say goodbye to this place. Although I already feel at home on the way, I feel even more at home here. Complete peace, content to the core, and yet there is sadness and serious concerns in the background about things happening in the Netherlands. That is always present in the background, and yet it is good now. Perfect even. Happiness and sadness, they can coexist. And that is, I think, the secret of life. They can and may exist alongside each other without you having to feel guilty about it.

Fragrant eucalyptus

If there had been water nearby, I would have definitely stayed, but I have to move on. The next water point is still a few hours away, especially through the wonderfully fragrant eucalyptus plantations. These trees grow extremely fast and quickly produce wood suitable for making paper. What a pity that fragrance doesn’t cling to your book anymore. Then having your nose in the books would truly be heaven on earth.

Celebration, 11,000 km walked

Later in the day, I celebrate a small party. I have passed 11,000 kilometers walked (hiked after my 60th). Step by step closer to 100,000.

Changing landscape

Half an hour before it gets dark, an hour earlier because winter time has begun, the landscape suddenly changes. Fences are everywhere, there are many cattle here. It’s hard to find a spot, but just in time I manage, right next to the path. Oh, you can sleep there too. It is so quiet here, and I do not expect any traffic. I think these paths are only used by trekkers. Meanwhile, I am still enjoying the past day and night.

Overnight stay: Sao Miguel de Acha