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!
Weekly Updates
I want to receive the weekly updates by email.
(If you experience difficulties to register please contact us at news@snail-trail.com)
Blog
02.
Jul
Culzean Castle - Ballantrae
Video: "God's Seashore Garden"
Photo 1: "The Turnberry Lighthouse built in 1873"
Photo 2: "Small fishing town"
Photo 3: "Sheep up high on the Coastal Path"
It was just me and Jesus walking the beaches and the high places today. Today was another long walk of almost 43 kolometers. To be quite honest, I am glad when I do not have many encountets on long walks like this, because I need the time just to make it through the stretch. The long walks, though, give me more time to think about the encounters I have had, to pray for people I have met and for the country I am walking through.
Photo 4: "Birds on a Rock"
Photo 5: Wild camping in Ballantrae"
The evening and night were much more gentle than the night before. I slept really good to the sound of waves hitting the beach through the night.
Photo 1: "The Turnberry Lighthouse built in 1873"
Photo 2: "Small fishing town"
Photo 3: "Sheep up high on the Coastal Path"
It was just me and Jesus walking the beaches and the high places today. Today was another long walk of almost 43 kolometers. To be quite honest, I am glad when I do not have many encountets on long walks like this, because I need the time just to make it through the stretch. The long walks, though, give me more time to think about the encounters I have had, to pray for people I have met and for the country I am walking through.
Photo 4: "Birds on a Rock"
Photo 5: Wild camping in Ballantrae"
The evening and night were much more gentle than the night before. I slept really good to the sound of waves hitting the beach through the night.
01.
Jul
Irvine - Culzean Castle
Photo 1: "Greenan Castle on the Ayrshire Coastal Path"
Photo 2: "Willy's first peek at the ocean"
Photo 3: "Catholic Priest Patrick"
There were not many people on the coastal path and those that were, were mostly dog walkers. So I was really curious when I actually saw this man coming my way carrying a backpack. He is a Catholic Priest named Patrick. He was on the last stage of a pilgrimage called The Whithorn Way. It is a 155 mile walking and cycling route, which follows much of the westerly pilgrimage route to Whithorn, travelled by pilgrims for well over 1300 years. Patrick saw my Way of St. James Logo on my hat and showed me the one he had on his felt jacket. We understood each other and prayed for each other.
Photo 4: "The Coastal Path"
A little before this point I saw four young guys attemping to light a fire. They asked me if I might be able to help. I saw some hamburgers that they were wanting to grill. It was starting to rain and the wood was getting damp. I saw that their biild up for a fire was completely wrong and rearranged the wood and igniters. My years with the Royal Rangers was helping me here. We got the fire started. I then shared a few words and prayed that God would light his fire in their hearts, to burn everything away that should not be there, and burn everything in, that should.
Photo 5: The next 2.5 hours I would see practically no one and walk in the rain. For the first time this trip I needed to put my tent up in the rain. Fortunately I was at a campground and could get things dry in the laundry room. It rained all night with a strong wind. I slept well though... was exhausted after the 45 kilometer walk.
Photo 2: "Willy's first peek at the ocean"
Photo 3: "Catholic Priest Patrick"
There were not many people on the coastal path and those that were, were mostly dog walkers. So I was really curious when I actually saw this man coming my way carrying a backpack. He is a Catholic Priest named Patrick. He was on the last stage of a pilgrimage called The Whithorn Way. It is a 155 mile walking and cycling route, which follows much of the westerly pilgrimage route to Whithorn, travelled by pilgrims for well over 1300 years. Patrick saw my Way of St. James Logo on my hat and showed me the one he had on his felt jacket. We understood each other and prayed for each other.
Photo 4: "The Coastal Path"
A little before this point I saw four young guys attemping to light a fire. They asked me if I might be able to help. I saw some hamburgers that they were wanting to grill. It was starting to rain and the wood was getting damp. I saw that their biild up for a fire was completely wrong and rearranged the wood and igniters. My years with the Royal Rangers was helping me here. We got the fire started. I then shared a few words and prayed that God would light his fire in their hearts, to burn everything away that should not be there, and burn everything in, that should.
Photo 5: The next 2.5 hours I would see practically no one and walk in the rain. For the first time this trip I needed to put my tent up in the rain. Fortunately I was at a campground and could get things dry in the laundry room. It rained all night with a strong wind. I slept well though... was exhausted after the 45 kilometer walk.
30.
Jun
Lochwinnoch - Irvine
Photo 1: Willy would rather swimm in the ocean than walk in the rain. I know the feeling...
Photo 2: Part of the bike path Nr. 7 was once a railroad track. It took some of the ups and downs out of the walk.
Photo 3: "Cows chewing their cud"
A lot of us are chewing on things. As I was leaving Lochwinnoch this morning, a lady wanted to know where I was going. When I eventually mentioned that I was walking with Jesus, she said she had a more earth based belief. I am not sure exactly what she meant, because the conversation did not go much further.
Shortly after that another elderly lady was curious about my walk and asked a number of questions. Then she asked: "What made you want to do a walk like this?" I said one word, and she turned around, said good-bye, have a good trip and walked away. That one word that I said was the name of the Word who became flesh and lived amongst us. He is the Living Word who was with the Father in the beginning and through whom all things are. It is the name if the One who took the nails on the cross for us, so that sin could no longer separate us from our Creator God and loving heavenly Father. That Word, that Name is Jesus. I would have liked to have heard her story to know what caused such a reaction in her.
A bit later I actually walked and talked with a man, David, for about 15 minutes who was going the same direction I was. He said he believed that there was something out there, but it was a mystery he could not know. I asked him that if God was real, whether he would want to know this. He responded no, that he would rather just be surprised by the mystery that would be revealed after he dies. I just hope it is not a rude awakening. As we walked I became aware of several felt needs in David's life. As we parted ways he accepted my offer to pray for him. I think there might have been a tear in his eye.
Then there was Charley. I got an email from him today that came over the Snail-Trail webpage. I had met him on the West Highland Way a week before. He was one of those to whom I said, "If you walk the Devil's Staircase with Jesus, it will become a Stairway to Heaven." Charley wrote in his email: "You touched my heart. and for some reason I became emotional as we departed... you truly inspired me and walking thinking of God made my walk easier, thank you, God bless and have a great journey home, you did your job that day!"
Thanks Charley for your comments... made my day today. You just never know what God is going to do. Sometimes you just need to give someone something to chew on for awhile...
Photo 4: "Stone Bridge"
Photo 5: "Walk along the River Garnock on the way to Irvine"
Photo 2: Part of the bike path Nr. 7 was once a railroad track. It took some of the ups and downs out of the walk.
Photo 3: "Cows chewing their cud"
A lot of us are chewing on things. As I was leaving Lochwinnoch this morning, a lady wanted to know where I was going. When I eventually mentioned that I was walking with Jesus, she said she had a more earth based belief. I am not sure exactly what she meant, because the conversation did not go much further.
Shortly after that another elderly lady was curious about my walk and asked a number of questions. Then she asked: "What made you want to do a walk like this?" I said one word, and she turned around, said good-bye, have a good trip and walked away. That one word that I said was the name of the Word who became flesh and lived amongst us. He is the Living Word who was with the Father in the beginning and through whom all things are. It is the name if the One who took the nails on the cross for us, so that sin could no longer separate us from our Creator God and loving heavenly Father. That Word, that Name is Jesus. I would have liked to have heard her story to know what caused such a reaction in her.
A bit later I actually walked and talked with a man, David, for about 15 minutes who was going the same direction I was. He said he believed that there was something out there, but it was a mystery he could not know. I asked him that if God was real, whether he would want to know this. He responded no, that he would rather just be surprised by the mystery that would be revealed after he dies. I just hope it is not a rude awakening. As we walked I became aware of several felt needs in David's life. As we parted ways he accepted my offer to pray for him. I think there might have been a tear in his eye.
Then there was Charley. I got an email from him today that came over the Snail-Trail webpage. I had met him on the West Highland Way a week before. He was one of those to whom I said, "If you walk the Devil's Staircase with Jesus, it will become a Stairway to Heaven." Charley wrote in his email: "You touched my heart. and for some reason I became emotional as we departed... you truly inspired me and walking thinking of God made my walk easier, thank you, God bless and have a great journey home, you did your job that day!"
Thanks Charley for your comments... made my day today. You just never know what God is going to do. Sometimes you just need to give someone something to chew on for awhile...
Photo 4: "Stone Bridge"
Photo 5: "Walk along the River Garnock on the way to Irvine"
29.
Jun
Glasgow - Lochwinnoch
Video: "Home away from home..."
This night was a wild camping night. I was happy to find to this spot. Wild camping is officially permitted in Scotland if there is no sign saying otherwise. It rained most of the night, but stopped in the early morning. The gentle wind was sufficient to mostly dry the tent before I had to pack it up... a blessing from heaven.
Photo 1: "The Clyde River that flows through Glasgow, the most populated city in Scotland"
It was different walking much of the day. I heard more traffic than I did lambs bleeting after their mamas. Still I appreciate walking through urban centers. I see how the people live and pray for their communities.
Photo 2: "Pastor Damilola Aje"
Today and the next days I would be following bike trail Nr. 7. Right away there was a detour where a bridge over the highway no longer existed. I have learned that detours can be used by God to redirect my path. So it was today. The detour brought me by an old church that had stood vacant for eight years. I had actually been praying that these old churches would be filled with new life once again. I saw that the front door was open to this church and felt compelled to go in. There I met Pastor Damiloa from Nigeria. He was waiting for some people from the church to come and do some work on the biilding. That had just purchased the old church a week ago and today was the first day to start the needed renovations. Their first service would be on Sunday. They are a Christ Apostolic Church House of Prayer. We have congregations like this affliliated with our Union of Free Church Pentecostal Congregations in Germany. It was just a God ordained moment. We prayed for each other and I sang my pilgrim song of blessing in the sanctuary. Pray for Pastor Damilola and the House of Prayer congregation and their ministry outreach in Glasgow.
Photo 3: "ACCORD Hospice in Glasgow"
You cannot read it, but on the side of this lion is the motto of hospice services: "While we cannot add days to life, we can add life into days." My wife Astrid is part of a hospice team where we live in Germany, so we have a heart for such points of care that are often the birth departure of the soul into eternity. It just so happened that Dr. John Walley with whom I spent part of the weekend works at this facility. I went in for a brief visit, had a cup of tea with John... and a "wee" talk with the receptionist led to a moment of prayer and a time of blessing for the hospice team.
Photo 4: "Castle Semple Collegiate Church:
This church was founded in 1504 by John 1st Lord Sempill. It is a remarkable example of the latest phase of gothic ecclessiastical architecture in Scottland. It was here that I wanted to put up my tent... but one of those signs was there stating that it was not allowed.
Photo 5: "Ryan and Jackson"
A few hundred meters down the path from the church I met Ryan with his son Jackson. They gave me the tip where I eventually found the place to put up my tent (see video). They were also real interested in my walk from Scotland to Germany. I told them that I cannot walk across the waters of the English Channel, but that I walk with the One who can. That started a God-talk that led to a prayer for the two. So I guess it was good that I did what the sign said...
This night was a wild camping night. I was happy to find to this spot. Wild camping is officially permitted in Scotland if there is no sign saying otherwise. It rained most of the night, but stopped in the early morning. The gentle wind was sufficient to mostly dry the tent before I had to pack it up... a blessing from heaven.
Photo 1: "The Clyde River that flows through Glasgow, the most populated city in Scotland"
It was different walking much of the day. I heard more traffic than I did lambs bleeting after their mamas. Still I appreciate walking through urban centers. I see how the people live and pray for their communities.
Photo 2: "Pastor Damilola Aje"
Today and the next days I would be following bike trail Nr. 7. Right away there was a detour where a bridge over the highway no longer existed. I have learned that detours can be used by God to redirect my path. So it was today. The detour brought me by an old church that had stood vacant for eight years. I had actually been praying that these old churches would be filled with new life once again. I saw that the front door was open to this church and felt compelled to go in. There I met Pastor Damiloa from Nigeria. He was waiting for some people from the church to come and do some work on the biilding. That had just purchased the old church a week ago and today was the first day to start the needed renovations. Their first service would be on Sunday. They are a Christ Apostolic Church House of Prayer. We have congregations like this affliliated with our Union of Free Church Pentecostal Congregations in Germany. It was just a God ordained moment. We prayed for each other and I sang my pilgrim song of blessing in the sanctuary. Pray for Pastor Damilola and the House of Prayer congregation and their ministry outreach in Glasgow.
Photo 3: "ACCORD Hospice in Glasgow"
You cannot read it, but on the side of this lion is the motto of hospice services: "While we cannot add days to life, we can add life into days." My wife Astrid is part of a hospice team where we live in Germany, so we have a heart for such points of care that are often the birth departure of the soul into eternity. It just so happened that Dr. John Walley with whom I spent part of the weekend works at this facility. I went in for a brief visit, had a cup of tea with John... and a "wee" talk with the receptionist led to a moment of prayer and a time of blessing for the hospice team.
Photo 4: "Castle Semple Collegiate Church:
This church was founded in 1504 by John 1st Lord Sempill. It is a remarkable example of the latest phase of gothic ecclessiastical architecture in Scottland. It was here that I wanted to put up my tent... but one of those signs was there stating that it was not allowed.
Photo 5: "Ryan and Jackson"
A few hundred meters down the path from the church I met Ryan with his son Jackson. They gave me the tip where I eventually found the place to put up my tent (see video). They were also real interested in my walk from Scotland to Germany. I told them that I cannot walk across the waters of the English Channel, but that I walk with the One who can. That started a God-talk that led to a prayer for the two. So I guess it was good that I did what the sign said...
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.