Walking with Donkeys in Heythuysen

The Feeling of Spring

Who would have thought that it could already be 18 degrees at the official start of spring? I certainly didn’t. Normally this is still the time for thick coats and cold hands for me, but today it felt as if spring had already begun. The sun was shining and the sky was completely blue.

And that worked out perfectly, because something special was planned for today. In Heythuysen, at care farm Rondmeer, my colleague Fleur and I were going for a walk with donkeys.

A Smiling Start

When we arrived, we were quickly greeted by our walking companions. With their soft noses nudging against us and their cute appearance, they were already waiting for us. There is something calm about donkeys. They never rush, take their time and seem to experience the world at their own pace.

Before we left, we received a route for a walk through the forest. The plan was clear, but it soon became obvious that donkeys have their own ideas about how a walk should go.

In the afternoon the sun was high in the sky and gave the still rather bare forest a warm glow. Although the trees had not yet grown leaves, there was already a clear feeling of spring in the air. Birds could be heard everywhere. Their singing echoed between the tree trunks and gave the forest a lively and hopeful atmosphere.

At one point I even spotted the first butterfly of the year. A small yellow one. It fluttered along with us for a while, as if it was curious about our unusual group. It felt like a sign that winter was slowly making way for a new season.

The Donkeys Set the Pace

Meanwhile, the donkeys had their own priorities. The juicy green grass along the path looked far too tempting to ignore. Regularly the donkeys stopped for a quick bite or decided that another direction might be more interesting.

At moments like that, you suddenly understand exactly where the saying “as stubborn as a donkey” comes from.

Every now and then they also made their opinion clearly heard. “Hee-haw,” echoed through the forest, followed by a deep sigh, as if they wanted to make it very clear that they were the ones setting the pace. Then they would pull you along again or nibble a twig from the side of the path.

It sometimes felt as if the donkeys were taking us for a walk. And honestly, that only made the experience more enjoyable. It made us slow down, keep the donkey under control and really be present in the moment.

Enjoying the Moment

In a world where everything moves fast, donkeys bring a sense of calm. They almost force you to really look around. To listen to the birds and hear your own footsteps – and those of the donkeys. You suddenly notice how much there is to see when you are not rushing.

Afterwards it felt as if we had truly taken a break from everyday life. Not far away, but completely disconnected from the daily hustle and bustle. It really felt like spring had already begun.

My Conclusion

Walking with donkeys is more than just a regular walk. It is an experience that slows you down, makes you laugh and helps you enjoy the moment.