This is the 2nd stage of the GR5 from Spa to Nice by the Mediterranean Sea.
Again a short stage, with a tough climb at the beginning. The route runs on easy-to-walk forest trails. The route is fairly flat until the end, then follows a steep descent into Vielsalm.
This morning we wake up to the sounds of a song thrush, whistling countless songs from a tree next to our tent. Again, it is gloriously sunny but chilly this morning, and the tent and groundsheet are wet with dew when we take down the tent. So unfortunately, the grams we painstakingly saved yesterday by scrapping clothes, gear and cutting clothing labels, we still carry with us today in the form of dew drops…
A hike of another 17.5km to Vielsalm is scheduled for today. Just one climb and one descent, so it’s doable. During the first climb, our body warmers and vests are already hung on the backpack, it starts to get nice and warm. When we’re on the road for an hour, we see two hikers further down the path. They are also hiking the GR5; we recognize each other from the GR5 Facebook group. We’ve been in touch recently, about hiking the same stretches of trail. What a coincidence, it’s really cool to meet people with the same passion! We chat and meet up a few more times during the day at the rest stops along the trail.
The hike continues through wonderful Ardennes forests to Vielsalm. It’s beautiful in this season, with all the fresh green leaves hanging on the trees. Towards the end of the hike, the first blisters appear. So that requires some care at the campsite. Once the blisters are punctured and the plasters are applied, we go shopping for 3 days of supplies at the supermarkets in the village. Because for the next 3 stages, the route doesn’t pass any stores… When we return at the campsite, we cook a simple backpack meal and reflect on a wonderful day. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s stage!
