To Walk It Is to See It: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Perseverance As Kathy Elkind embarked on her 98-day, 1400-mile journey along the Grande Randonnee Cinq (GR5) trail across The Netherlands, Belgium, and France, she knew that this adventure would be different from any other she had undertaken before. At fifty-seven years old, she had chosen comfort over hardship, opting for warm beds and delicious regional food every night instead of roughing it in campsites. However, what she didn't anticipate was the emotional and personal growth she would experience during her trek. The GR5 wound its way from village to village, offering Kathy a unique perspective on the beauty of Europe, with its charming towns, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards. But it wasn't all smooth sailing - she faced challenges such as sickness, accommodation struggles, language barriers, and even stormy mountains in the Alps. Despite these obstacles, Kathy found herself reflecting on difficult topics like her struggles with dyslexia, overeating, and shame. She began to realize that the walking itself became a moving meditation, allowing her to process her thoughts and emotions while taking in the breathtaking scenery around her. As the days passed, Kathy discovered her own inner strength and resilience.

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