Stavelot

25 May 2015:  We have entered a new world in Wallonie: Hills and valleys, forests and peat bogs.  Our trail from Spa to Stavelot (ca. 20 km.) rose to 500 m. at one point – a very minor ascent compared to what lies ahead of us, but significant after three weeks of flat land hiking.  The trails were mostly excellent (although quite muddy in the approach to Stavelot).  Finally, it was rare today to hike on a paved road or path.  We checked into the comfortable B&B Villa Louise near the center of town and met our new friend Omar for dinner at a good Italian restaurant.

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Departure from Spa:

We hiked through a forest south of Spa, beside a gurgling brook:

Flourishing mushrooms:

We return to the straight and narrow:

Hiking across the Fagne de Malchamps, a protected area of peat bogs:

We were surprised and puzzled to see a large field on one side of our trail where all of the trees had been cut down in the same direction and left there. We wondered if one of those trees was one of "ours", with a white & red GR marker...

Indeed, there's a GR marker!

Spectacular display of flowers spilling over a wall:

Three of Mary's favorite flowers on this hike – iris, lilac and wisteria – together at one house:

Muddy trail:

Our B&B host, Luc, who is very well informed about the history and traditions of Stavelot:

Luc & Mary: