Oosterbeek and the Long March
Sven Walther
Oosterbeek, Wandeltocht (and Windsor)
Once again, we are guided by my appointments – I have meetings in England (Windsor) and ask a colleague from the Netherlands how he actually gets there. After a quick exchange, we drive to his hometown Oosterbeek and then travel together by train to Schiphol to fly to London.
While I go through meetings and team-building activities in Windsor, Saskia explores the area and finds beautiful nature and a fantastic castle.
Kastel Doorwerth
Lou climbing on tree stumps
River near Oosterbeek
Meanwhile in Windsor, I enjoy the typical local weather – the cough I pick up here will follow me for several months…
Windsor town sign
Our hotel
Team-building…
Airborne Wandeltocht
When we booked the campsite, it wasn’t possible to reserve beyond Friday. It turned out that that weekend was the big day of the year. A huge WWII memorial event because Operation Market Garden took place here (some may know it from the movie “A Bridge Too Far”).
In commemoration, people come from all over the world and undertake a walk in memory of the paratroopers. So we quickly adjusted plans, found a small pitch in Arnhem, stayed there for the weekend, and signed up for the 25km route.
Wandeltocht flag
What an experience – the whole town is out and either walks along or supplies the hikers with food, drink, and music. We’ve already walked several Mammutmarsch events (which is also where Manni, our mascot, and the name Mammothon come from) – but this is on a whole different scale – simply amazing.
Start of the Wandeltocht
March statue
Walking in perfect weather
Paratroopers
Never forget (sadly always relevant)
Since Lou sprained her leg the day before, she went the entire distance with the wagon.
25km in the wagon
Note: Next time bring WD40 – as cute as everyone found Lou, after a few kilometers the axle started to squeak and the fun went down. But also note: an oil-based moisturizer works for a while as a substitute.