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Walking for the Ocean – From Dovre to Trondheim

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MY PROGRESS

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22

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Fundraising target image

207%

Of fundraising target reached

Walking for the Ocean – From Dovre to Trondheim

From July 10th, I’ll be walking part of the Gudbrandsdalsleden — a stunning Pilgrim trail through one of the countries I love most: Norway.

As someone from the Netherlands who works on cruise ships, the ocean is a huge part of my life. And while I recognize the impact of travel, I also believe we can support change where it matters. 

That’s why I’m dedicating this walk to raise funds for The Ocean Cleanup, an organization I deeply admire for their mission to rid our oceans and rivers of plastic. I’ve supported them around my birthday before — and this year, I’m linking that support to something personal.

I’ll be donating $1 for every kilometer I walk (roughly 213 km), and I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d consider joining me. Even the smallest donation helps.

Let’s walk together — for cleaner oceans and a healthier planet. 🌍💙
Thank you so much for your support!

Help me reach my goal

Raised

$1,035

My Goal

$500

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MY ACHIEVEMENTS

Created a team

Personalized my page

Made a self donation

Shared my profile

Received my first donation

Reached 25% of my fundraising goal

Reached 50% of my fundraising goal

Reached 75% of my fundraising goal

Increased fundraising goal over 200

Reached my fundraising goal

Thanked my donors

My Updates

Days 10, 11 & 12 - Gumdal, Skaun & Øysand

Wednesday 23rd Jul
Catching up before the big finish…

Days 10, 11 & 12 added another 46 kilometers – through forests, fields and meadows, with parts where my legs felt like lead but my heart kept pushing me forward.

And 46km means another $46 to the Ocean Cleanup!

Now, just one final stretch: 27km to Trondheim!

Days 8 & 9 - Segard Hoel & Løkken Verk

Wednesday 23rd Jul
Day 8 took me 23 kilometers from Meslo Gård to Segard Hoel – and it was one of the toughest days so far. The distance alone was challenging, but add a heavy backpack and a wrong turn that led me up what felt like the steepest hill in Norway, and it became a true test of willpower. Realizing I had to turn back meant navigating a nerve-wracking, steep descent before I could continue on the right path.

Luckily, around the 13-kilometer mark, I stumbled upon Pilgrim Café Ry – a true oasis in the middle of nowhere. Unlimited coffee refills, fresh Norwegian waffles, restrooms, and a place to catch my breath… it felt like heaven! After that much-needed break, it was another 10 kilometers to Segard Hoel, finishing with one last, seemingly endless climb. But I made it!

Day 9 was another 20 kilometers, this time from Segard Hoel to Løkken Verk, an old mining town. And honestly? It felt even tougher than Day 8. After barely sleeping the night before, the combination of exhaustion and sweltering heat (yes, in Norway!) pushed me right to my limits.

Still, step by step, I got through it – adding another 43 kilometers in total, which means another $43 for The Ocean Cleanup!

Days 5, 6 & 7 - Oppdal, Hæverstølen & Meslo Gård

Thursday 17th Jul
A little update from the trail 💙

Day 5 was a rest day — I took the train from Kongsvold to Oppdal, a charming little town where I spent the night in a small Pilgrim Hotel.

The next day, I hiked 26 km to Hæverstølen, a traditional Norwegian mountain farm, and stayed in the cutest sod-roofed cabin.

Then came an 18 km walk to Meslo Gård, a lovely historic farmhouse run by Ingrid — a warm-hearted Norwegian farmer who welcomed us Pilgrims with open arms and made us feel right at home.

This journey has already been such an incredible experience. I feel truly grateful to be here, doing what I love most in a country that has my heart.

And the cherry on top? I get to raise money for a cause I deeply care about 💙

Another $44 added to the donations!

Day 3 & 4 - Hjerkinn & Kongsvold

Monday 14th Jul
Day 3 was a tough one: 25km from Fokstugu through the Dovrefjell mountain plateau to Hjerkinn. The trail was doable, however, the high temperature, combined with my backpack of approximately 14,5kg made it quite strenuous towards the end. Nevertheless, I made it!!

Day 4 was easier (even though I was still a little soar from the day before ;-)
13km from Hjerkinn to Kongsvold. It started with a fairly steep climb, which was followed by descent towards the E6. After that it was a combination of up and down through a more rough terrain and again the heat and weight made it a bit harder than desirable, but let's be honest: it's a Pilgrimage, it's not supposed to be easy!

Dinner and accommodation at Kongsvold was just lovely and after dinner I walked to the botanical garden nearby, enjoying the views of the hotel and surrounding area below.
All in all, it was another great day!

Total of 38km means another donation of $38!

Day 5 is a resting day, with a train ride to Oppdal. After that: 25km to the next destination!

Day 1 & 2 - Oslo, Dovre & Fokstugu

Friday 11th Jul
The big adventure started, with a train ride from Oslo to Dovre with stunning scenery along the way. From Dovre train station it was a 4km walk to Budsjord, a traditional Pilgrim farm that has been here since at least the 1400s. 

Day 2 proved to be quite strenuous with a fairly steep climb to the Dovrefjell national park, followed by a breathtaking trail to the next destination Fokstugu Fjellstue, another historical landmark linked to Pilgrimage in Norway.

So far: 18 km = $ 18

Up next: 25 km from Fokstugu to Hjerkinn... To be continued :-)

Thank you to my Sponsors

$25

Mindy Rice

$10

W Van Hulten

$44

Chris

Top prestatie!

$216

Karlijn Verpalen

$25

Joanne Gardner

Well done, so happy for you to have had this experience

$5

Erika De Bruijn

Superknap en waanzinnig stoer!

$25

Ingrid Heivers

Great initiative Karlijn! Congratulations

$10

Cynthia Boorsma

Go Girl! You can do it! Xx Cynthia

$100

Maria Buchsbaum … Rotterdam Crossings

You got this Karlijn! You are loved and admired for your passion for the Oceans! Keep on!

$50

Anonymous

$100

Kfw

You got this, Karlijn!! x

$25

Ruben

$20

Anonymous

Go girl! Fantastisch dat je dit doet en dan ook nog voor het goede doel.

$44

Karlijn Verpalen

$50

Sander Van Dijk

Have a great adventure and doing good! Sophia say’s you rock!

$25

Corina Van Lindonk

Enjoy !

$100

Jeff Farschman

Have a great adventure!!! Happy to support your Walking for the Icean. Jeff Farschman

$38

Karlijn Verpalen

$50

Ruth Batts

To my dear friend Karlijn who is such a caring person.

$30

Jacklyn Witthoft

Karlijn you have brought so much joy to our cruising experiences that we want to donate a little to this great cause. We wish you safe travels and sunny blue skies. We hope to see you soon and another dam ship.

$25

Rien Den Hartog

$18

Karlijn Verpalen

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