Braunlauf

26 May 2015:  Today was a big one – 30 km from Stavelot, via Vielsalm, to Braunlauf.  A ten-hour hike...  Most of the trail was excellent – broad dirt paths passing through forests and beside fields – and the weather was fine for hiking – partly cloudy and cool.  However, the last 5 km of the "trail", from Commanster, was along paved roads.  After 25 km, that was tough!  Happily, we arrived at the comfortable B&B Oase in Braunlauf,  where we had a hearty dinner with the host family. We're now in the German-speaking area of Belgium.

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Here is a good view of Stavelot seen by few GR5 hikers – because we took the wrong road out town!  We were able to connect with the GR5 without backtracking.

Forest trails:

Into the open:

Curious cows:

An unusual way to provide hay to horses:

We found a good picnic table for lunch:

Mary savors coffee at a friterie in Vielsalm after lunch:

Vielsalm is a center for scorcery; there is an international gathering of witches here in November.  Save the date!

Still on dirt paths – but not for long!

B&B Oase in Braunlauf:

A welcome sight!