Echoing with the sound of thunder, a wave collided with the cliffs below; loose rocks tumbled away from the jagged walls like stale breadcrumbs. My lips quivered under it’s power, or was it the ground trembling beneath my aching feet? In exhaustion, I questioned my ability to continue walking; we had now walked over 210km with a few days remaining. The wind tousled my hair and sea-spray caressed my cheeks in encouragement.
Despite the distance we had walked across the desolate sand dunes and rugged cliffs, we were not alone. We walked past the burrows of sleeping weasels, past hares dashing away in fear, past stalks resting in nests longer than their slender legs, and past fishermen sitting precariously on the cliff’s edge. Unique flower species scattered the earth, the same earth that was being corroded by the wave’s touch. It was inevitable that with time, this same ground in which we stood would collapse into the hungry ocean. There was a beauty to the landscape’s unforgiving wildness; it was humbling.
I had never before hiked more than 15km and perhaps in ignorance, I committed myself to a challenge of walking 280km in 13 days. Although I anticipated walking Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, Rota Vicentina, to be uncomfortable; what I was not prepared for was the pain, but also, how rewarding such a feat could be.
What many do not know, is that there is more involved than the physical challenge of achieving such distances; there is a physiological element as well. In my journey I faced myself with absolute entirety; during my internal dialogue, I observed my strengths and I was also confronted with my weaknesses. I have walked away stronger.
I am grateful to share with you my Lessons from walking Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.
Strength is not when you are running up a mountain with stamina;
STRENGTH is when you are broken on the ground and you make the choice to get back up.
On our 10th day of walking 210km without rest, I collapsed in teary exhaustion and I considered quitting. My body had never before experienced such fatigue. I was limping and my body hurt more than I was ever prepared for. At some point during our lives we will be faced with a moment of weakness where it is difficult and we want to quit. Strength is not during our success, strength is in our weakness and how we choose to overcome it.
You may not like everybody you meet on the trail but that’s okay;
The one thing that should remain is RESPECT.
During our adventure we meet a great number of people; some we connected with immediately and others we did not. Although we share differences in views and opinions, we are all united by the same journey, life.
Our paths may be different but we are all going through this challenging adventure together, with integrity and mutual respect.
JUDGE yourself by your own journey and not through others;
Comparison is the death of joy.
It is easy to compare our performance with those completing a similar task. After I had walked 180km, I was physically struggling and I felt disheartened when I was overtaken by a lady in her 70s. I reminded myself that this comparison is unfair. I was making an assumption of my performance without knowing the lady’s circumstances (who could have been a professional athlete.) Most importantly, it failed to celebrate my own accomplishment; my first time hiking such distances. Rather than compare ourselves with others, it’s important to focus on our own journey and successes.
Be KIND to yourself.
Although it’s important to push ourselves to achieve our goals; it’s equally as important to give yourself permission to ground yourself through self care and kindness. During this journey, I discovered the power of self-talk and how powerful its influence truly is.
Your body can go further than you ever imagined, but it only becomes difficult when you catch yourself in a loop of negative self talk.
It’s important to practice positive affirmations, to forgive and massage your aching feet, to dip your toes into cool water and to dance amongst the waves. Be kind to others, but also to yourself.
Achieving your GOALS begins with a single step.
We were never going to walk 280km with one giant leap. It took a lot of steps, 490,000 to be precise. There were days where walking was effortless and others where it was difficult; but it just took one small step after the other for us to achieve our goal! It’s just like any goal in life.
The JOURNEY is just as important as the destination.
When you’re walking every day for 13 days straight, it is so easy to focus only on the final destination. What made this experience absolutely incredible however, was not arriving at the final destination; it was the journey as a whole. Life is to be enjoyed and cherished; every footstep of the way. Each moment has its own unique beauty and it’s so precious.
You are CAPABLE of so much more than you realise.
I was a packet-a-day smoker for nearly 10 years who was incapable of walking up a flight of stairs without struggling to catch my breath. If you told me that I was going to not only embark on this journey, but that I would also succeed; I would never have believed you! If there is something that this adventure has taught me, is that you are capable of achieving absolutely anything you set you mind to.
I would love to hear about one of your greatest achievements and what you learnt from your experience! 🙂
* Thank you to those individuals who left comments on my blog and for your patience with my replies; I can assure you that I have since responded!
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Joanna says
This is a great journey for you, I can see. I didn’t know there was a Portugal path also. In the UK we have the Jurassic Coastal Path but I never walked more than a day on it. My biggest achievement was to cross a mountain in Peru. I had no physical strength, I still don’t know how I did it. In the last day I could barely walk, but seeing Machu Picchu in front of me gave me new powers to do it for another day.
Kylie (Author) says
Wow! It must have been absolutely incredible to see Machu Picchu! It’s also incredible how far we can push ourselves physically! Congratulations! 🙂
The one in Portugal has only been around officially since 2014 so it’s still relatively new. We were planning a holiday in the UK and we looked at the Jurassic Coastal Path; The Scottish National Trail won though, so you know where we will be walking next time! 😉
Swayam Tiwari says
May I kiss your hands? It was such a joy reading your post. The sentence on strength gives me so much motivation. As a blogger, I keep on reaching lows but then, there is no option but to stand up again. May I kiss your hands, please?
Kylie (Author) says
Gosh! I am entirely humbled; of course you can kiss my hand!
Im so happy to read that my post has motivated you. Stay amazing! 🙂
Joie Gahum says
Wow, Portugal is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the beaches are also stunning. I would definitely like to visit this place soon.
What’s great about travelling and being to places like this is that you really get to enjoy the down time, you get to think about life and ponder what’s significant and not. It’s great to hear that you had a blast and discovered a few lessons in your life during your travels.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your comment!
Portugal is gorgeous with some breathtaking landscapes; every country has something magical about it though. 🙂
Mikee says
There is so much to learn when traveling and I am grateful to read about your lessons and experiences. Congratulations for an achievement met!
Till your next’ Keep motivated.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! 🙂
Heidi Williams says
I also believe that we are capable of so much more than we think. I don’t think I could have done it.
What an amazing journey; is it any wonder people have total clarity when they force themselves to embrace challenges. You’re writing is beautiful.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Heidi! I believe that if you set your heart to it, you could do it too! 🙂
Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag says
Those photos are stunning! It reminds me of my dream to tour Europe. I would love to walk on those paths and sit on that beach too. I would like to dip my feet on the cool waters and forget my cares for a few moments. Lovely place!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you for your comment Teresa, I hope you’re able to make that dream a reality! 🙂
Sam says
Loving the photos on this post! I love landscapes and I would like to try landscape photography.
I like taking photos of places rather than people — myself included, no selfies!
Robert Lee says
Kylie,
This is one of the best posts I have ever read. I would love to publish this post on my blog; Seriously!
The nice thing about walking is that it gives you a lot of time to think. As you go through the journey, the fatigue, soreness, pain, it is amazing you are able to relate it to everyday life.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your gorgeous comment and support Robert. When you’re walking these distances time comes to a stretching halt and you have no other alternative than to contemplate every element of life. It felt alot longer than 2 weeks! 🙂
(I sent you a message regarding publishing this post on your own blog!)
ROBERT LEE says
Kylie,
I must have missed your message. Today I am drawing inspiration from this post to come up with something by seeing how to apply lessons learnt from you. I will let you know more!
Zwitsy says
Now you don’t just have a simple post here but you gave motivation to those who have been struggling and doubting their existence and capability. I find this pretty amazing! Your shots are awesome as well.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much. I’m grateful that you find the message and photography amazing! 🙂
Tina says
Beautiful pictures! This is wonderfully written – story tell like. 🙂 Would you go back?
Kylie (Author) says
I’m glad you enjoyed my writing and photographs! I would walk the path from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Mil Fontes again because the scenery was magical; I wouldn’t complete the entire trail again though.
I’m moving onto more challenging routes! 🙂
Berlin says
Just love how you interpret and see things differently. Walking to me clears my mind and helps me reevaluate situations or problems.
Kat says
Wow, I am blown away with these amazing photos of Portugal. I didn’t even know the country has these beautiful spots. I especially love the ones with fields of flowers.
It’s funny how we become more reflective of our life when we’re outside of our comfort zone or when we see the complex, diverse nature our world has to offer.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂 I think every country has unique scenery that is gorgeous, you just need to find it!
Nya says
Interesting, I am Portuguese myself. This post is truly inspiring.
I admit I don’t know if I’d ever be able to do it, but the lessons that came from this journey were absolutely worth it. Life is a journey itself!
Sheri says
A lot of life lessons to be learned here, a great post of strength and courage.
I like walking but I do not think I could do what you have done. For someone on a path of personal growth, this is such a motivating and inspiring read. I will be sharing this post. So happy for you for this great and amazing achievement.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! 🙂
Chhavi says
I have always loved walking, it has several benefits. Clears your mind, gives you time to introspect and is also healthy.
Overtime, I have learnt to be patient and more social while travelling. It really helps to understand the culture and people. Also, I loved the quotes especially “Achieving your GOALS begins with a single step.” This is such an simple step all of us tend to forget.
You should use twitter cards for such quotes, it will be easier for readers to just tweet the quote the like.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for your kind and encouraging words.
I absolutely adored you suggestion and I’ll be creating some twitter cards shortly!
Me-An Clemente says
Astounding! When I was reading your post, I felt like I was reading a published self-help book. I’m also amazed how you were able to draw your learnings and present them so well. I really learned and was reminded of life lessons that I should take heart. I particularly like the part that true strength is displayed when we overcome our weakness.
Right now, it’s fairly challenging to attract a high number of loyal readers to our blog. There can be a shortcut through promotion, but truly it’s the journey that makes it worth it. Also, I should disregard people who are bitter; they’re killing the joy in their lives by comparing.
Kylie (Author) says
Wow! Thank you so much for your beautiful words, they’ve made my day! 🙂
I remember when I first started blogging, I really analysed *why* I started and *what* I was trying to achieve. Blogging purely for self promotion is never going to be fulfilling because your motives are for validation; blogging for your passion however is another story. I hope your readership improves. Good Luck!
Stella says
Congratulations to you! I can’t imagine walking for 13 days straight! I certainly don’t think I’d be able to keep a positive attitude like you did.
I especially liked the advice about not comparing yourself to the 70 year old grandmother. You did get some amazing photos of the Portuguese coast too!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Stella! Trust me when I say I did not *always* maintain a positive attitude; I had plenty of moments of frustration, tears and discomfort! 😉
Jessica says
Comparison is the death of Joy – my favorite line. In worse, the death of yourself if you let other people fade your happiness.
Lovely life lessons along with travel experience in Portugal’s Atlantic coast.
Sabine says
Wow I am so impressed with your post.
This quote is so true: STRENGTH is when you are broken on the ground and you make the choice to get back up.
I’ve been through hard times, had to learn how to walk again. But I did it exactly because I made the decision to get up and try!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Sabine! I have admiration for your strength and ability to get back up; it’s easier said than done! 🙂
Jaymee says
It is as if God wanted me to stumble upon this blog post. All of the quotes you mentioned moved me. This saying however stuck with me the most,
The JOURNEY is just as important as the destination
I have a tendency to be impulsive that sometimes makes me more like a crammer. I tend to hussle to get things I want to a point where achieving my dreams became an unpleasant task. I am now taking one step at a time and enjoying the journey with a hope that I will get to my destination little by little.
Lokness says
You are a trooper to walk 13-day straight! That is impressive! Well done, girl! By the way, the photos are stunning. I’m sure it’s all worth it with the incredible views like these. 🙂
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much! It was such a rewarding experience, and surprisingly the landscapes sometimes reminded me of being in Australia! ^_^
Marta Cabral says
Hello, Kylie, I’m the director of Rota Vicentina and would like to congratulate you for this post and also for the whole journey. It’s a very important experience of self-achievement that, as you show beautifully, is in a walk journey as much as in our lives. The pictures are also amazing! Wish you all the best!
Kylie (Author) says
Gosh! I am completely humbled by your comment, thank you so much for taking the time! 🙂
Thank you for creating and promoting such an incredible cause! x
Maerose JS says
This is wonderful article!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts as you traveled along Portugal’s coast. I haven’t been in Portugal, but it’s on my list.
I have to say that your blog is inspiring. People nowadays just travel for the sake of photos and recreational purposes. This entry is a reminder for travellers like me to reflect on my self and my surroundings while I travel. Being outside one’s comfort zones is the best time to do some self-reflection. And I love all the realisations on your list. 🙂
Verne says
Stunning photography Kylie, thanks for sharing! I did a shorter version (180 km) of the same trek a few weeks ago, and many of these pictures still resonate in my mind. Our experience seems to have diverged in one area though: whereas you met a great number of people, I rarely crossed paths more than four or five times a day. The same extraordinary backdrop for two very different stories!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your comment Verne! Firstly, Congratulations for walking such a distance! 🙂
Indeed, it is amazing that the same path can have entirely different experiences! What I found incredible about looking at your website and viewing the images from your walk on Rota Vicentina was the weather. You were lucky in that regard!
I’ve followed your facebook, I’m really looking forward to seeing more of your travels! 🙂
Roxanne Marie says
Thank you for this post… I have been through a lot these past few months and a lot of the lessons you wrote here hit home – hard – all of them.
Although I have not travelled lately and I have not experienced a physical activity similar to your walk, I have felt all those things you experienced in my life. My many experiences lately taught me to be humble, to not judge others, to find my strength, to give respect and to know that I deserve respect. And now, as I am pulling myself through this darkness, I’m learning that I need to take that single step to move forward – and to be kind to myself for the slip-ups, and to not be pressured by the life of people around me, because it is true, that when you compare yourself to others, you lose a part of yourself and somehow love yourself a little less.
Now I’m appreciating the journey that I’ve been through, and I found that life really is the greatest teacher. I’ve changed so much in so many ways – ways that I would not have been able to imagine a year ago. No matter what I lost, I know that I also gained a lot in myself.
P.S.
I love your blog – your words, your photographs. You are amazing.
Lucie says
Hey, your pictures are outstanding! I can see that this trip made a real difference for you!
I will go to Portugal in September and I would like to spend 3 days on the Rota Vicentina before going back home and starting a new year of working.
If you had one part of the trail to suggest what would it be?
Kylie (Author) says
Merci pour ton commentaire sur mon blog! Je vais essayer de répondre en Français. Désolé si je fais des erreurs, j’apprends le Français.
J’adore ton blog et tes recettes (le “Courtesan au chocolat de Mendl’s” c’est très mignon!), peut-être quand mon mari et moi seront de retour en France, nous pourrions créer un projet?
À propos de la Rota Vicentina, j’adore de Porto Covo à Vila Nova de Milfontes, il y a aussi une unique liqueur de glands. C’est très joli et c’est là où j’ai pris beaucoup de mes photos. Villa do Bispo est jolie aussi.
Bonne Chance! 🙂
Bespoke Traveler says
Thank you for pointing me to this post of yours! I was nodding away vigorously to each of the learned lessons, especially the ones about accepting one’s limitations on the trail and not comparing one’s performance. It’s so difficult not to feel disheartened when watching others easily glide past while you’re struggling to turn the next corner, but (as in life) it’s so important to have those mantras you talked about to remind myself that these hikes are about self-discovery not showmanship. Your photos are so idyllic, though! What views you captured!