On the Way!
Following Jesus…
When I was sixteen, I got to know Jesus by reading his biography, the first four books of the New Testament. I often wondered how it would have been to have actually walked with Jesus, heard his words and been part of his encounters with people. It would have certainly been life changing. A bit of that I was able to experience these past years on the Snail-Trail – my deliberate way of traveling at a "snail's pace" – walking long pilgrimages across Europe…
- Snail-Trail 1.0 (2023): A 3,268-kilometer-long pilgrimage route, The Way of St. James, from Moosburg to Cape Finisterre in Spain (near Santiago de Compostela).
- Snail-Trail 2.0 (2024): A trek from Germany to Greece, covering approximately 2,500 kilometers. Along the way, I traversed the Balkans and encountered challenges such as wild dogs, dilapidated wooden bridges, and abandoned villages.
- Snail-Trail 3.0 (2025): Last year's foot journey which led me 2,675 kilometers from Tallinn (Estonia) back to my home near Landshut. In total, it consisted of 85 stages with an average distance of 31 kilometers.
Each journey was an extraordinary experience. Even though I could not see Jesus, I felt his presence, which gave me courage and strength for the long road ahead. Although I did not hear his voice audibly, I perceived profound truths about life through the experiences I encountered along the way. Through conversations and prayers with people I met on the path, I was privileged to witness how Jesus encounters others.
Snail-Trail 4.0…
Walking with Jesus does not end with reaching a certain destination, fulfilling a specific task, or reaching retirement age. The call to follow Jesus remains. The journey continues… and for me, too, this year on the Snail-Trail. This time, I set out on June 15th from Inverness, Scotland. I will hike through Scotland and Ireland, along the coasts of Wales and Southern England, through Belgium and Luxembourg, crossing then a small strip of France on my way to Southern Germany. I expect to arrive back home the last week of September… 102 days, 86 stages, and 2,650 kilometers – not counting sea miles. I am now nearly 70 years old, and yes, I can certainly feel my bones and muscles. Yet I walk this path in confidence that God is guiding and strengthening me. Step by step. In the truest sense of the word.
X Marks the Spot…
Together, the four Snail-Trails form an "X" across the greater part of Europe — the sign of the Cross of Jesus Christ. When Jesus, with his final breath, cried out from the cross, "It is finished!", he was thinking of us here in Europe as well. He took upon himself all the suffering and pain of history – with all its bitter injustices and everything that destroys us as human beings and separates us from God. Yet Jesus' empty tomb bears witness that death does not have the final word. There will always be a tomorrow and a new beginning. We have a well-founded hope in Christ. May this grace from heaven touch the soul of Europe! That is what I will be praying for, as I walk from one country to the next.
Together…
Prayer: I see the Snail-Trails not merely as personal paths of faith, but also as an invitation for others to share in them. Through the postings on my blog, I share my impressions, thoughts, and experiences. I would then greatly appreciate your prayer support – for the encounters I have along the way, for protection on the Snail-Trail, and that many hearts would connect with God's heart.
Project: The Snail-Trail is also a walkathon. If you would like to be a part of what the Assemblies of God is doing in this region of Europe (church planting, children/youth/student outreaches…), please click on this link to make an online donation. It could be a one-time gift or per-kilometer-walked-pledge:
Please click on the option "88 Snail Trail". Many thanks!
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Blog
28.
Jun
Milngavie - Glasgow
Video: "Pastor David singing Psalm 103:1-2 in Gaelic"
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is an indigenous Celtic language with roughly 70,000 speakers. Predating the arrival of English, it is the historic language of the Highlands and Islands.
Photo 1: Invitation to "The Way", a Christian ecumenical service at the Church of Scotland St. Paul's in Milngavie...
It was a wonderful time of worship and Pastor David who sang the Gaelic song of praise, was also the guest speaker. There is an expectancy among the Scottish believers that God will awaken the sleeping giant, the church, to rise up to its destiny to be the voice of a loving God to a country that so much needs to hear it.
Photo 2: "Jenny and John Walley with their three children"
I had met Jenny at a Prayer Retreat in Portstewart, North Ireland the last week of March. She invited me then to be part of their weekend when I would be passing through the Glasgow area. The West Highland Way actually starts/ends in Milngavie where they live. Yesterday evening Jenny had invited a number of people from her church to come for dinner and listen to my pilgrim stories. It was a very special evening.
Photo 3: My hosts for the weekend were Fiona and Steve Parratt. It was worth every step it took to get there. After two weeks of walking, enduring rain, wind and midges, it was nice to have a place to be like home for the two days.
Photo 4: "Bearsden Baptist Church"
This is where the Walleys attend church. Jenny asked me to share with the teen group this morning, which I was very glad to do.
Photo 5: Sundays are a day where I reflect on the week. It started in Fort Williams at what is usually the end point of the West Highland Way. I would walk the 171 kilometers and 5564 altimeters in six days. These past two weeks I walked popular hiking routes in Scotland and had more talks and prayers with people than I can count and remember. Next week will be different...
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is an indigenous Celtic language with roughly 70,000 speakers. Predating the arrival of English, it is the historic language of the Highlands and Islands.
Photo 1: Invitation to "The Way", a Christian ecumenical service at the Church of Scotland St. Paul's in Milngavie...
It was a wonderful time of worship and Pastor David who sang the Gaelic song of praise, was also the guest speaker. There is an expectancy among the Scottish believers that God will awaken the sleeping giant, the church, to rise up to its destiny to be the voice of a loving God to a country that so much needs to hear it.
Photo 2: "Jenny and John Walley with their three children"
I had met Jenny at a Prayer Retreat in Portstewart, North Ireland the last week of March. She invited me then to be part of their weekend when I would be passing through the Glasgow area. The West Highland Way actually starts/ends in Milngavie where they live. Yesterday evening Jenny had invited a number of people from her church to come for dinner and listen to my pilgrim stories. It was a very special evening.
Photo 3: My hosts for the weekend were Fiona and Steve Parratt. It was worth every step it took to get there. After two weeks of walking, enduring rain, wind and midges, it was nice to have a place to be like home for the two days.
Photo 4: "Bearsden Baptist Church"
This is where the Walleys attend church. Jenny asked me to share with the teen group this morning, which I was very glad to do.
Photo 5: Sundays are a day where I reflect on the week. It started in Fort Williams at what is usually the end point of the West Highland Way. I would walk the 171 kilometers and 5564 altimeters in six days. These past two weeks I walked popular hiking routes in Scotland and had more talks and prayers with people than I can count and remember. Next week will be different...
27.
Jun
Drymen - Milngavie
Photo 1: "The Highland Cow"
I was hoping to get a photo like this of the iconic "Hippie" Longhorn Highland Cow. It happened today at the beginning of my last walk on the West Highland Way. As I approached the cow, it had been laying on the ground and got up as if to pose for me... one of my favorite photos from Scotland.
Photo 2: Just a bit further I met Jacob ftom South Wales on the path. I told him that I would soon be walking through his country. He notice the symbol of the St. James Way on my hat and asked anout it. I said in German it is called the "Jakob's" Way like his name. I then asked if he knew the story of Jacob in the Bible who truly went on a long foot journey. Jacob was fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau and looking to an uncertain future. On about the third day, God appeared to Jacob in a dream and gave him the promise that he would be with him and watch over him. I asked Jacob if he was walking with Jesus. He is not quite there yet. I prayed for him that he would know God's presence and blessing in his life as Jacob experienced so many years ago. Who knows... maybe I will run into Jabob again when I walk through South Wales in just a few weeks.
Photo 3: "The path leading to Milngavie"
I had a few more encounters today on this last stage of the West Highland Way. One was with three teenage boys from a private Catholic School in Glasgow. They were 16 years old, exactly the age when I said yes to Jesus. I shared my story and prayed for them and their journey through life. I also spoke with a Buddhist from Arizona, USA, and a Swiss brother in Christ, Daniel, who was just starting off on the West Highland Way. Our "chance" meeting and time of prayer together was a mutual encouragement and confirmed that Jesus was with us on the journey.
Photo 4: "A true Scotsman waiting for his team to win the World Cup"
I was hoping to get a photo like this of the iconic "Hippie" Longhorn Highland Cow. It happened today at the beginning of my last walk on the West Highland Way. As I approached the cow, it had been laying on the ground and got up as if to pose for me... one of my favorite photos from Scotland.
Photo 2: Just a bit further I met Jacob ftom South Wales on the path. I told him that I would soon be walking through his country. He notice the symbol of the St. James Way on my hat and asked anout it. I said in German it is called the "Jakob's" Way like his name. I then asked if he knew the story of Jacob in the Bible who truly went on a long foot journey. Jacob was fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau and looking to an uncertain future. On about the third day, God appeared to Jacob in a dream and gave him the promise that he would be with him and watch over him. I asked Jacob if he was walking with Jesus. He is not quite there yet. I prayed for him that he would know God's presence and blessing in his life as Jacob experienced so many years ago. Who knows... maybe I will run into Jabob again when I walk through South Wales in just a few weeks.
Photo 3: "The path leading to Milngavie"
I had a few more encounters today on this last stage of the West Highland Way. One was with three teenage boys from a private Catholic School in Glasgow. They were 16 years old, exactly the age when I said yes to Jesus. I shared my story and prayed for them and their journey through life. I also spoke with a Buddhist from Arizona, USA, and a Swiss brother in Christ, Daniel, who was just starting off on the West Highland Way. Our "chance" meeting and time of prayer together was a mutual encouragement and confirmed that Jesus was with us on the journey.
Photo 4: "A true Scotsman waiting for his team to win the World Cup"
26.
Jun
Inversnaid - Drymen
Video: "Waterfall by Inversnaid"
Photo 1: "Beach on Loch Lomond"
The walking along Loch Lomond was much more "normal" than yesterday. It also rained quite a bit in the afternoon. There were noticably less people on the path today, and when it rains, no one wants to stop and talk. Still I would tell people as I walked by: "Thank God for the rain! It keeps the midges away!" Indeed, God will alow all things to work together for our good if we love and trust him.
Photo 2: "Willy likes waterfalls..."
...I do too!
Photo 3: The more gentle path today going along Loch Lomond...
Photo 4: The view almost from the top of Conic Hill. I stopped at this point to sing out my pilgrim song over the Highlands of Scotland. I could see a lady several hundred meters down the hill who turned around to listen. When I stopped, she continued on. May God touch her heart... and those who live in the Highlands.
Photo 5: "View of Conic Hill"
This was the last big climb on the West Highland Way. Coming down a steep rocky descent, my right heel stepped on a small rock which caused my foot to turn and almost twist my ankle. It would not have been a gentle fall. I am so grateful that Jesus walks with me...
Photo 1: "Beach on Loch Lomond"
The walking along Loch Lomond was much more "normal" than yesterday. It also rained quite a bit in the afternoon. There were noticably less people on the path today, and when it rains, no one wants to stop and talk. Still I would tell people as I walked by: "Thank God for the rain! It keeps the midges away!" Indeed, God will alow all things to work together for our good if we love and trust him.
Photo 2: "Willy likes waterfalls..."
...I do too!
Photo 3: The more gentle path today going along Loch Lomond...
Photo 4: The view almost from the top of Conic Hill. I stopped at this point to sing out my pilgrim song over the Highlands of Scotland. I could see a lady several hundred meters down the hill who turned around to listen. When I stopped, she continued on. May God touch her heart... and those who live in the Highlands.
Photo 5: "View of Conic Hill"
This was the last big climb on the West Highland Way. Coming down a steep rocky descent, my right heel stepped on a small rock which caused my foot to turn and almost twist my ankle. It would not have been a gentle fall. I am so grateful that Jesus walks with me...
25.
Jun
Crianlarich - Inversnaid
Photo 1: "Loch Lomond"
This is the last lake that I will be walking along side on the West Highland Way, the first part today and the rest the next two days. Early in the morning a young couple from Germany came my way. The dad was carring a baby boy on his back. I stopped and said: "You are carrying a very precious load!" The boy's name was Bejamin. I asked if they knew the biblical story behind that name. They did not. So I explained how Rachel was the dear wife of Jacob and died giving birth to Bejamin. With her last words she named the child "Ben-Oni", Son of my Sorrow. Jacob did not want his son being blamed for his mother's death by bearing that name all of his life, so he changed it to "Ben-Jamin", Son of my Right Hand, meaning one who is blessed and has favor. I then asked if they would like for me to say a prayer of blessing for their child. Benjamin was all smiles as I did. It was a great start in the new day.
Photo 2: Shortly thereafter Ethen and I crossed paths. He is a young man who just recently made the turning point towards Jesus. I was able to encourage him in his walk with Jesus and pray for his journey through life.
Photo 3: There were so many people coming my way the first part of the day that I prayed that God would just help me connect with those he wanted me to talk to. One special surprise was running into these two girls, Corry and Cayla, who work at the Black Forest Christian Accademy just south of Stuttgart. They know Kirk and Amy Priest who have a hospitality house near the school and are good friends and my Area Directors from the Assemblies of God. God just seems to know where are feet are taking us...
Photo 4: "Willy hoping rocks to get over the stream of water"
Not far from here I saw an older man walking by himself carrying a bag on his side. We started to talk. His name is Gorden and he was walking to help ease the pain of grief. Just about a year ago his beloved wife and their dog died about the same time. Gorden had the ashes of his wife and their dog with him in that bag. My heart went out to him. I shared the hope that we have in Jesus who rose from the dead and broke the power of death. I then prayed for Gorden that God would comfort his heart as only God can do. I know Gorden was touched by that moment. I was as well.
Photo 5: The walk along this part of Loch Lomond was quite challenging, very rough terrain, step and rocky climbs and descents. I was glad to make it to the hostel safe and sound... it just took a bit of time.
This is the last lake that I will be walking along side on the West Highland Way, the first part today and the rest the next two days. Early in the morning a young couple from Germany came my way. The dad was carring a baby boy on his back. I stopped and said: "You are carrying a very precious load!" The boy's name was Bejamin. I asked if they knew the biblical story behind that name. They did not. So I explained how Rachel was the dear wife of Jacob and died giving birth to Bejamin. With her last words she named the child "Ben-Oni", Son of my Sorrow. Jacob did not want his son being blamed for his mother's death by bearing that name all of his life, so he changed it to "Ben-Jamin", Son of my Right Hand, meaning one who is blessed and has favor. I then asked if they would like for me to say a prayer of blessing for their child. Benjamin was all smiles as I did. It was a great start in the new day.
Photo 2: Shortly thereafter Ethen and I crossed paths. He is a young man who just recently made the turning point towards Jesus. I was able to encourage him in his walk with Jesus and pray for his journey through life.
Photo 3: There were so many people coming my way the first part of the day that I prayed that God would just help me connect with those he wanted me to talk to. One special surprise was running into these two girls, Corry and Cayla, who work at the Black Forest Christian Accademy just south of Stuttgart. They know Kirk and Amy Priest who have a hospitality house near the school and are good friends and my Area Directors from the Assemblies of God. God just seems to know where are feet are taking us...
Photo 4: "Willy hoping rocks to get over the stream of water"
Not far from here I saw an older man walking by himself carrying a bag on his side. We started to talk. His name is Gorden and he was walking to help ease the pain of grief. Just about a year ago his beloved wife and their dog died about the same time. Gorden had the ashes of his wife and their dog with him in that bag. My heart went out to him. I shared the hope that we have in Jesus who rose from the dead and broke the power of death. I then prayed for Gorden that God would comfort his heart as only God can do. I know Gorden was touched by that moment. I was as well.
Photo 5: The walk along this part of Loch Lomond was quite challenging, very rough terrain, step and rocky climbs and descents. I was glad to make it to the hostel safe and sound... it just took a bit of time.
24.
Jun
Bridge of Orchy - Crianlarich
Photo 1: "Day 3 on the West Highland Way"
Today was my tenth day all together on Snail-Trail 4.0, an important milestone. After ten days on the trail one's body adjusts to the strenguous routine and accepts its fate to this new norm. It does not make it any easier, it just more tolerable.
Photo 2: "Sheep on the path"
My expierence on the trail so far reflects the parable of the sower. I met a secularist from the USA who was interested in my walk across Scotland, but did not care much to know about my walk with Jesus. A bit later I spoke with a young man from Holland, Viktor, who is studying in Dublin to be an ER Doctor. He is from a Catholic background and looks to Jesus for help with his medical studies and the treatment of patients. After our talk and prayer he said: "You made my day." Shortly before my destination I talked with two young girls from Wales who were making camp and the prayed for them. They were amazed that a complete stranger would give them perspectives for their lives. Not more than 10 minutes later a young Scottish girl caught up to me on the path into town. Her response to those "perspectives for life" was: "That's not my faith."
Photo 3: Today was the first day on Snail-Trail 4.0 that I needed to put on sunglasses. I wanted to document the moment with this photo...
Photo 4: There was only one outdoor store on the entire West Highland Way between Fort Williams and Glasgow. It was a small shop in a small village, but they had exactly the kind of walking sticks that I was looking for.
Photo 5: "A sunny day today for Willy in the Highlands...
Today was my tenth day all together on Snail-Trail 4.0, an important milestone. After ten days on the trail one's body adjusts to the strenguous routine and accepts its fate to this new norm. It does not make it any easier, it just more tolerable.
Photo 2: "Sheep on the path"
My expierence on the trail so far reflects the parable of the sower. I met a secularist from the USA who was interested in my walk across Scotland, but did not care much to know about my walk with Jesus. A bit later I spoke with a young man from Holland, Viktor, who is studying in Dublin to be an ER Doctor. He is from a Catholic background and looks to Jesus for help with his medical studies and the treatment of patients. After our talk and prayer he said: "You made my day." Shortly before my destination I talked with two young girls from Wales who were making camp and the prayed for them. They were amazed that a complete stranger would give them perspectives for their lives. Not more than 10 minutes later a young Scottish girl caught up to me on the path into town. Her response to those "perspectives for life" was: "That's not my faith."
Photo 3: Today was the first day on Snail-Trail 4.0 that I needed to put on sunglasses. I wanted to document the moment with this photo...
Photo 4: There was only one outdoor store on the entire West Highland Way between Fort Williams and Glasgow. It was a small shop in a small village, but they had exactly the kind of walking sticks that I was looking for.
Photo 5: "A sunny day today for Willy in the Highlands...
23.
Jun
Kinlochleven - Bridge of Orchy
Photo 1: "Bridge of Orchy"
This was my destination for today. It would take me 30 km and 1224 altimeters to get there... and I needed to arrive by 7.00 pm in order to get dinner at the bunkbed hostel. It is good that I did the extra climb yesterday.
While I was getting my backpack packed, a solo hiker from Estonia, Evi, came by the corner of the mountain where I had stayed the night. She had campen as well a bit further ahead. She was in her early 50's and was slowly making her way from a secular world view to realizing there is a God who created the beauty she was seeing on the path. We talked and prayed. It was a God moment. Tears came to her eyes. She gave me a hug and said that this was the highlight of her trip. Estonians are quite reserved, I learned on my trip to through the Baltics last year. So this was quite a statement. If was not me, but God's presence that touched her heart.
Photo 2: "The Devil's Staircase"
Once I got up to the top of the mountain this morning, I started going down a series of zigzag switchbacks on an old military road know as "The Devil's Staircase". The path is about 2.4 km long and reaches an altitude of 550 meters at the summit, making it the highest point of elevation on the West Highland Way. I could see that people were struggling to make the climb. I began to tell passersby that when the walk the Devil's Staircase with Jesus, it becomes a Stairway to Heaven. I got a lot of laughs and positive reactions to the comment. It also led to a number of meaningful conversations. It took me forever to get down the hill because of all talks I had along the way. The clock was ticking...
Photo 3: "The mountain Buachaille Etive Mòr"
This is the nountain where the opening scene of the James Bond movie "Skyfall" was taken.
Photo 4: "Radek from Poland"
I greet just aboit everyone who passes by me on the path. I was very surprised when I greeted Radek that he adked: "Are you the guy who walked across Poland last year?" I had met a friend of his several days earlier at a hostel. He called Radek and said that this American will be walking in his direction who walked through Poland last year and is now walking from Scotland to Germany. "He knows a few Polish words," his friend said. "If you see him, talk to him. He is really interesting." I said, "That sounds like me!" We went and sat on a rock, and Radek told me his story. He had been raised a Catholic, but it was his parents belief. He started on a journey to find out what he really believed. He went from athiestic thought to agnostism to realising that there must be a God. Now he heard Jesus was knocking on the door of his heart and was not sure how to answer. I explained how he could say yes to Jesus and start his walk with him, and then led him in prayer to make that first step. There were some real long and difficult hikes through Poland last year. Every step was worth it if it helped Radek to make that faith connection to Jesus.
Photo 5: "On the way to the bridge of Orchy"
It was now foot race to make it to the hostel in time for dinner. I arrived exactly at 7.00 pm. I was given a seat at a table with two women from New Zealand and one from Ireland. I was hot, sweaty, thirsty and hungry... and very happy.
This was my destination for today. It would take me 30 km and 1224 altimeters to get there... and I needed to arrive by 7.00 pm in order to get dinner at the bunkbed hostel. It is good that I did the extra climb yesterday.
While I was getting my backpack packed, a solo hiker from Estonia, Evi, came by the corner of the mountain where I had stayed the night. She had campen as well a bit further ahead. She was in her early 50's and was slowly making her way from a secular world view to realizing there is a God who created the beauty she was seeing on the path. We talked and prayed. It was a God moment. Tears came to her eyes. She gave me a hug and said that this was the highlight of her trip. Estonians are quite reserved, I learned on my trip to through the Baltics last year. So this was quite a statement. If was not me, but God's presence that touched her heart.
Photo 2: "The Devil's Staircase"
Once I got up to the top of the mountain this morning, I started going down a series of zigzag switchbacks on an old military road know as "The Devil's Staircase". The path is about 2.4 km long and reaches an altitude of 550 meters at the summit, making it the highest point of elevation on the West Highland Way. I could see that people were struggling to make the climb. I began to tell passersby that when the walk the Devil's Staircase with Jesus, it becomes a Stairway to Heaven. I got a lot of laughs and positive reactions to the comment. It also led to a number of meaningful conversations. It took me forever to get down the hill because of all talks I had along the way. The clock was ticking...
Photo 3: "The mountain Buachaille Etive Mòr"
This is the nountain where the opening scene of the James Bond movie "Skyfall" was taken.
Photo 4: "Radek from Poland"
I greet just aboit everyone who passes by me on the path. I was very surprised when I greeted Radek that he adked: "Are you the guy who walked across Poland last year?" I had met a friend of his several days earlier at a hostel. He called Radek and said that this American will be walking in his direction who walked through Poland last year and is now walking from Scotland to Germany. "He knows a few Polish words," his friend said. "If you see him, talk to him. He is really interesting." I said, "That sounds like me!" We went and sat on a rock, and Radek told me his story. He had been raised a Catholic, but it was his parents belief. He started on a journey to find out what he really believed. He went from athiestic thought to agnostism to realising that there must be a God. Now he heard Jesus was knocking on the door of his heart and was not sure how to answer. I explained how he could say yes to Jesus and start his walk with him, and then led him in prayer to make that first step. There were some real long and difficult hikes through Poland last year. Every step was worth it if it helped Radek to make that faith connection to Jesus.
Photo 5: "On the way to the bridge of Orchy"
It was now foot race to make it to the hostel in time for dinner. I arrived exactly at 7.00 pm. I was given a seat at a table with two women from New Zealand and one from Ireland. I was hot, sweaty, thirsty and hungry... and very happy.
22.
Jun
Fort Williams - Kinlochleven
Photo 1: "The West Highland Way"
This is a very beautiful and popular long distance hiking path through Scotland from Fort Williams to Glasgow, but it is not very easy. I will average walking 28,5 km with 927 altimeters the next six days.
Photo 2: "Ahmad from Saudi Arabia"
Most people walk the West Highland way from Glasgow to Fort Williams. So all week I will have people coming from the other way in my direction. This presents many opportunities to speak and pray with people and to share my story. Among the talks I had today, there were three special encountets, with Luzia from Germany, a group of young people from France and Ahmad from Saudi Arbabia pictured here.
Photo 3: "Broken walking stick"
I decided to take my wife's walking sticks on this trip, because they were easier to pack away for the flight to Scotland and for the upcoming three ferry trips from Scotland to Ireland, from Ireland to Wales and from England to France. Before leaving for Scotland, I must have damaged the one pole when I changed the tips. It broke right at that point without any other evident cause. Good walking sticks on a foot journey like this are essiential. They help carry the load of a backpack, relieve the pressure on your foot and leg joints while walking and are like having two extra legs to push you uphill or to brace your step going downhill. Fortunately I was able to plug the broken point with a Rubber tip as a temporary solution until I would find new walking sticks.
Photo 4: "Two sheep"
The later in the day I walked, the less traffic came my way. I enjoyed this these late afternoon hours to sing my pilgrim song, pray for Scotland and to behold the beauty of God's creation.
Photo 5: "Wild camp"
Since the weather was good this evening, I decided to go up one more hill. It was a high one and just about doubled the altimeters for the day, but would shave off 4 km and several hundred kolometers for tomorrow's walk. I had food and water with me and slept very well on the side of the mountain.
This is a very beautiful and popular long distance hiking path through Scotland from Fort Williams to Glasgow, but it is not very easy. I will average walking 28,5 km with 927 altimeters the next six days.
Photo 2: "Ahmad from Saudi Arabia"
Most people walk the West Highland way from Glasgow to Fort Williams. So all week I will have people coming from the other way in my direction. This presents many opportunities to speak and pray with people and to share my story. Among the talks I had today, there were three special encountets, with Luzia from Germany, a group of young people from France and Ahmad from Saudi Arbabia pictured here.
Photo 3: "Broken walking stick"
I decided to take my wife's walking sticks on this trip, because they were easier to pack away for the flight to Scotland and for the upcoming three ferry trips from Scotland to Ireland, from Ireland to Wales and from England to France. Before leaving for Scotland, I must have damaged the one pole when I changed the tips. It broke right at that point without any other evident cause. Good walking sticks on a foot journey like this are essiential. They help carry the load of a backpack, relieve the pressure on your foot and leg joints while walking and are like having two extra legs to push you uphill or to brace your step going downhill. Fortunately I was able to plug the broken point with a Rubber tip as a temporary solution until I would find new walking sticks.
Photo 4: "Two sheep"
The later in the day I walked, the less traffic came my way. I enjoyed this these late afternoon hours to sing my pilgrim song, pray for Scotland and to behold the beauty of God's creation.
Photo 5: "Wild camp"
Since the weather was good this evening, I decided to go up one more hill. It was a high one and just about doubled the altimeters for the day, but would shave off 4 km and several hundred kolometers for tomorrow's walk. I had food and water with me and slept very well on the side of the mountain.
21.
Jun
Fort Williams
Photo 1: "Willy's first day of rest"
I always look forward to Sundays. It is a day to celebrate having made it through the week, to give thanks to God for his sustaining grace... and to not walk with a heavy backpack!
Photo 2: If possible, I really like going to a church service and connecting with believers from the community where I might be staying. Just a few hundred meters down from the hostel where I stayed the weekend, was the Baptist Church from Fort Williams. In the photo I am standing with Pastor Jonathan. A visiting pastor from Inverness gave a very insightful message, and, even though the worship team was just one man, the music was from the heart and uplifting.
Photo 3: I had many meaniful encounters with young people at the hostel. One was with Cameron from England who is following after Jesus and wanting to do his will. In my prayer for him, Cameron said I spoke to things in his life that I did not know about, giving confirmation and encouragement.
Photo 4: Another meaniful encounter was this morning with Christine und Sebastian from Germany. We met each other while brushing teeth last night and shared the same room together... along with three others. I am not sure how we got on the subject, but I mentioned how the Hillsong song "Highlands - Song of Ascent" meant a lot to me thinking about starting to walk the West Highland Way tomorrow. Sebastian found the song right away on YouTube and played it. Christine and I both had tears in our eyes. A very moving and important conversation and prayer followed. It was a God moment and a great start for the Sunday. Here is a link If you would like to hear the song: https://youtu.be/3ZFkFZAabfw?si=McuOTjpCw2blkStq
Photo 5: "The flag of Scotland"
The X-shaped cross represents the diagonal cross on which St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, was martyred in 69 AD. It is also the shape of the cross that the four Snail-Trails make through Europe.
I always look forward to Sundays. It is a day to celebrate having made it through the week, to give thanks to God for his sustaining grace... and to not walk with a heavy backpack!
Photo 2: If possible, I really like going to a church service and connecting with believers from the community where I might be staying. Just a few hundred meters down from the hostel where I stayed the weekend, was the Baptist Church from Fort Williams. In the photo I am standing with Pastor Jonathan. A visiting pastor from Inverness gave a very insightful message, and, even though the worship team was just one man, the music was from the heart and uplifting.
Photo 3: I had many meaniful encounters with young people at the hostel. One was with Cameron from England who is following after Jesus and wanting to do his will. In my prayer for him, Cameron said I spoke to things in his life that I did not know about, giving confirmation and encouragement.
Photo 4: Another meaniful encounter was this morning with Christine und Sebastian from Germany. We met each other while brushing teeth last night and shared the same room together... along with three others. I am not sure how we got on the subject, but I mentioned how the Hillsong song "Highlands - Song of Ascent" meant a lot to me thinking about starting to walk the West Highland Way tomorrow. Sebastian found the song right away on YouTube and played it. Christine and I both had tears in our eyes. A very moving and important conversation and prayer followed. It was a God moment and a great start for the Sunday. Here is a link If you would like to hear the song: https://youtu.be/3ZFkFZAabfw?si=McuOTjpCw2blkStq
Photo 5: "The flag of Scotland"
The X-shaped cross represents the diagonal cross on which St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, was martyred in 69 AD. It is also the shape of the cross that the four Snail-Trails make through Europe.
20.
Jun
Gairlochy Locks - Fort Williams
Photo 1: "Phil"
Yesterday evening as I was approaching Gairlochy Locks, I saw Phil doing yard work near the road. That is business. We greeted each other and we started to talk about my trip. He asked me if there was anything he could do to help me on my way. I said that I was planning on camping that night and had what I needed. He then asked me if I would like some watermelon. I knew God was speaking to me then... I love watermelon! He offered to take me to his house just down the road a bit to get some. I accepted. The evening was coming quickly, so I asked if it might be a consideration for me to put my tent up on his property. After a short Pause, he asked if I would rather sleep on an extra bed that he had at the house and whether I like trout. He was a fisherman and had some trout he could make for dinner. I love trout. To make it short, by the time I got cleaned up and changed my clothes, one if the best trout dinners that I ever had was ready... just as the World Cup game between the USA and Australia was beginning. I did not think I would have a chance to see any of World Cup games while walking Snail-Trail 4.0... and I had water melon before the dinner and this morning with breakfast... and it rained all night, and I slept well with a roof over my head. Phil, if you are reading this, you totally blessed me! Thanks so much! Those who might be looking at this blog, if you would, ask God to bless Phil's health (he is dealing with some issues), his son and his yard business.
Photo 2: Willy wanting to take a swim in Lochy Loch.
Photo 3: The last lock on the Great Glen Way.
I had arrived at Fort Williams. After five days of walking 133 kilometers with 4,300 altimeters, I am now one third of the way through Scotland. I have had conversations and been able to pray with many people about walking with Jesus and finding that God connection. It had been a good first week. Thanks for praying for me!
Photo 4: For most people the The Great Glen Way starts here in Fort Williams. I had been wondering how it would be to walk in the opposite direction. It was great!
Photo 5: An old ship wreck on the beach at Fort Williams. In the background you can see the highlands lifting up over the horizon. On Monday the journey begins to go through the Highlands towards Glasgow.
Yesterday evening as I was approaching Gairlochy Locks, I saw Phil doing yard work near the road. That is business. We greeted each other and we started to talk about my trip. He asked me if there was anything he could do to help me on my way. I said that I was planning on camping that night and had what I needed. He then asked me if I would like some watermelon. I knew God was speaking to me then... I love watermelon! He offered to take me to his house just down the road a bit to get some. I accepted. The evening was coming quickly, so I asked if it might be a consideration for me to put my tent up on his property. After a short Pause, he asked if I would rather sleep on an extra bed that he had at the house and whether I like trout. He was a fisherman and had some trout he could make for dinner. I love trout. To make it short, by the time I got cleaned up and changed my clothes, one if the best trout dinners that I ever had was ready... just as the World Cup game between the USA and Australia was beginning. I did not think I would have a chance to see any of World Cup games while walking Snail-Trail 4.0... and I had water melon before the dinner and this morning with breakfast... and it rained all night, and I slept well with a roof over my head. Phil, if you are reading this, you totally blessed me! Thanks so much! Those who might be looking at this blog, if you would, ask God to bless Phil's health (he is dealing with some issues), his son and his yard business.
Photo 2: Willy wanting to take a swim in Lochy Loch.
Photo 3: The last lock on the Great Glen Way.
I had arrived at Fort Williams. After five days of walking 133 kilometers with 4,300 altimeters, I am now one third of the way through Scotland. I have had conversations and been able to pray with many people about walking with Jesus and finding that God connection. It had been a good first week. Thanks for praying for me!
Photo 4: For most people the The Great Glen Way starts here in Fort Williams. I had been wondering how it would be to walk in the opposite direction. It was great!
Photo 5: An old ship wreck on the beach at Fort Williams. In the background you can see the highlands lifting up over the horizon. On Monday the journey begins to go through the Highlands towards Glasgow.
19.
Jun
Leitirfearn - Gairlochy Locks
Photo 1: "Willy's first night in the tent..."
The campground was supposed to have a WC and a shower. That is why I needed the key. There was a WC, but it had been flipped over by the wind and was laying on its backside. There were no water facilities... and my water filter was not working. I needed to ration my water. There was also a group of children that were on a canu trip and stayed the night as well. I had an opportunity to share some of my pilgrim stories with a few of the supervisors and one little girl who had hurt her foot while the others were out and about playing games. It reminded me of my Royal Rangers days.
It rained all night and well into the morning, so I got a late start. Just as I was getting ready to leave the camping place, two older ladies from New Zealand were coming up the path. I greeted them both and asked how they were doing. The one, Betty, responded that she was in bereavement. Just two days ago while on her walking trip, she received the tragic news that her 52 year old niece had unexpectedly and suddenly died while on her honey moon. I shared some words of comfort and the hope that we have in Jesus who overcame death and the grave. As I prayed for Betty and her companion, I sensed a very strong presence of the Lord. I think as well that they felt a touch from heaven. They were very grateful for the prayer and encounter... and gave me some water for my start in the day.
Photo 2: A lot of Rhododendrons are still in blume in Scotland. I love Rhododendrons!
After about two hours I came to a Lock would I could actually use my key to go into a toilet facility and get some water. When I came out there was a group of young people also wanting to use the facilities. We got talking about my trip. Eventually there was just one young man left, Louis, after the others continued on to a nearby Café. He wanted to know what inspired me to do this trip. I knew then that God wanted me to speak to him about spiritual truths. Louis grew up in a cultural Christian environment, but was now leaning more towards Islam. His main problem was understanding the Christian teaching of the trinity. I gave him a five minute crash course of explaining the one God who reveals himself in plurity by way of Genesis 1:1-3. He responded that the Koran also refers to Allah saying "we" when it came to the creation. "See", I said, "God in plurality who is one God." The conclusion is, that Jesus is God, the Son. Hopefully these thoughts will lead to more spiritual understanding.
Photo 3: A lot of rain water running down from the high places...
Photo 4: "The Great Glen Way - Day 4"
Not far from this corner on the path I ran into a true Scotsman, Rob MacGregor. He told me that his name was outlawed and banished in Scotland for about 70 years, because his clan was at odds with and fought against the Britts. Rob also said in our conversation that he believed there was something out there greater than humanity, but just was not sure what. I prayed for him that he would come to know who this God is, who created the beauty of creation that we were looking at.
Photo 5: "Safe Bear"
I am glad that I do not need to be on the lookout for bears on this trip!
The campground was supposed to have a WC and a shower. That is why I needed the key. There was a WC, but it had been flipped over by the wind and was laying on its backside. There were no water facilities... and my water filter was not working. I needed to ration my water. There was also a group of children that were on a canu trip and stayed the night as well. I had an opportunity to share some of my pilgrim stories with a few of the supervisors and one little girl who had hurt her foot while the others were out and about playing games. It reminded me of my Royal Rangers days.
It rained all night and well into the morning, so I got a late start. Just as I was getting ready to leave the camping place, two older ladies from New Zealand were coming up the path. I greeted them both and asked how they were doing. The one, Betty, responded that she was in bereavement. Just two days ago while on her walking trip, she received the tragic news that her 52 year old niece had unexpectedly and suddenly died while on her honey moon. I shared some words of comfort and the hope that we have in Jesus who overcame death and the grave. As I prayed for Betty and her companion, I sensed a very strong presence of the Lord. I think as well that they felt a touch from heaven. They were very grateful for the prayer and encounter... and gave me some water for my start in the day.
Photo 2: A lot of Rhododendrons are still in blume in Scotland. I love Rhododendrons!
After about two hours I came to a Lock would I could actually use my key to go into a toilet facility and get some water. When I came out there was a group of young people also wanting to use the facilities. We got talking about my trip. Eventually there was just one young man left, Louis, after the others continued on to a nearby Café. He wanted to know what inspired me to do this trip. I knew then that God wanted me to speak to him about spiritual truths. Louis grew up in a cultural Christian environment, but was now leaning more towards Islam. His main problem was understanding the Christian teaching of the trinity. I gave him a five minute crash course of explaining the one God who reveals himself in plurity by way of Genesis 1:1-3. He responded that the Koran also refers to Allah saying "we" when it came to the creation. "See", I said, "God in plurality who is one God." The conclusion is, that Jesus is God, the Son. Hopefully these thoughts will lead to more spiritual understanding.
Photo 3: A lot of rain water running down from the high places...
Photo 4: "The Great Glen Way - Day 4"
Not far from this corner on the path I ran into a true Scotsman, Rob MacGregor. He told me that his name was outlawed and banished in Scotland for about 70 years, because his clan was at odds with and fought against the Britts. Rob also said in our conversation that he believed there was something out there greater than humanity, but just was not sure what. I prayed for him that he would come to know who this God is, who created the beauty of creation that we were looking at.
Photo 5: "Safe Bear"
I am glad that I do not need to be on the lookout for bears on this trip!