It’s something between a hike and a walk. Actually, you can’t really call it a hike. The route leads over the dunes of Plage de Treompan on the GR34. And since we’re not alone and can walk to the starting point from our accommodation, “walk” is probably the better description.

Where usually only a few vehicles are parked, today it’s full. People move from their vehicles toward the beach. A man in a wetsuit carrying a large bag strolls past us. A woman stands at her open van unpacking a surfboard. We greet and are greeted, a relaxed atmosphere.

If it weren’t for the low-hanging gray clouds, it would have an atmosphere of a summer vacation. But even so, there’s an open feeling of freedom in the air. People disappear behind the dunes, above which kite canopies rise into the sky. There seems to be something special in the air today.

Not only are we out here, but also not just a few kite surfers, for whom the weather seems perfect. Strong wind blows beneath the overcast sky, the sea is making waves, and it’s dry. With us walkers and joggers, with or without dogs, it’s lively on this Sunday afternoon.

We don’t strictly follow the route I pre-planned, but still mostly stay on the GR34. Every now and then we stop and marvel at the countless colorful canopies above the horizon, how the wind whips the surfers across the water, occasionally letting some take off into the air. A wonderful sight.

The planned circular route becomes an outward and return journey. On the way there, we mostly walk in the dunes, on the way back we walk along the beach. In addition to the surfers, we meet other walkers. And then there is a young woman on a horse being led across the beach by a man. She looks happy. This must be a highlight for her that she has probably been looking forward to in advance. It’s nice to see people so happy.

I also feel something like happiness. But there is something else, the return to a feeling, the feeling of lightness. I had completely lost it when we were in the city yesterday. It robbed me of so much and gave me nothing. A day like this by the sea, on the other hand, is not a wasted day. It makes me happy. Happy that we can be here and that we can live this life the way we do.