Valberg Slektsgård

It wasn't that far from Logtun kirke to where I am staying tonight at Valberg. But it was one of the busiest sections of road I have walked on for several days. So it was a relief to finally get here and find my room.

I've been reflecting for much of the walk today on how much longer I'll be able to walk long pilgrimages like this. It has certainly been challenging to overcome the various obstacles that have arisen along the way. Some were clearly out of my control, whereas others were things that I did that didn't go quite as I thought they would.

There is a small piece of Alexander Solzhenitsyn I keep at home to reflect on from time to time. In it, he suggests something about keeping going while your body is still working. Whether he meant that literally, or it was meant more broadly, is difficult to know. but for the moment, I am happy to think that while I can, I should still take on these more challenging activities. I don't think I am ready to stop just yet.

Certainly, there are many things about how I approached the S:t Olavsleden this year that I would change on my next pilgrimage. I will continue to reflect on that.Read more