Saskia Stender: Challenge yourself

This year my holidays were different from usual. Instead of spending three weeks in a mobile home, I spent a week sailing in Croatia and hiking in Swedish Lapland. I discovered new forms of holiday experiences. Back to basics; with a backpack on my back and my own tent, completely self-supported in the wilderness. 

I was able to join a group of the North Holland police. 'How did you end up there?' Simply by networking. Thanks to a friend (works for the police), I signed up for the Fjallraven Classic. The trip was organised by the Dutch Hiking and adventures foundation, which has its roots in the police force. They still had room for me in their group. 

110 kilometres in five days on rough rocky paths in Sweden. More fun than walking on asphalt. I often explore such paths, but not 25 km per day. And not with 18 kg on my back; that's a different matter. During such a trip you learn a lot about yourself. Can I do it? Have I trained enough? Do I like it? Of course, there are always moments where you think, 'why am I doing this?' Keep going, foot for foot, because you have to do it yourself. There is no one to take you on the back for a bit.

I can proudly say that I made it. I even enjoyed it so much that I have already signed up for the winter edition in April (crazy, according to my family). This time on snowshoes, but not in a tent.

I've had some nice contact with www.Hiking-adventures.nl. We are already looking into what can be organised for the OSV: challenging, outdoors, without too many corona restrictions. To be continued!

Saskia Stender