Colas to Sprimont

Friday October 12, 2018, 27 miles (43 km) - Total so far: 6,793 miles

(10,932 km)

We had a peaceful night at the bivakzone. We also woke up to a dry tent for the first time in what feels like weeks!! Not sure if the weather's changed or if it was the tree cover.

We headed to Manhay first to buy supplies. A lovely start to the day with quiet roads and pretty views. After that, we stuck with the 'main' road for most of the ride, which actually wasn't at all busy. There's a longish climb on a crappy road surface, but after that it was mostly downhill and a lot smoother.

We paused for lunch in on a bench in Aywaille (BNP Paribas has free wifi, in case that's of interest!!) then mistakenly decided to deviate from the main road....up a long and very steep hill! Belgium really is a lot like Devon. WE distracted ourselves with the excitement of following the cycling 'node' system for the first time (the same as and linked to that used in Holland).

It's starting to be a bit tricky to find campsites that are open now.....but Camping Tultay in Sprimont fit the bill. It was, however, a bit random!! No one there, just a phone number.....which I called, and spoke to a woman who I simply could not understand (despite my French being reasonable, and definitely good enough to cope with campsites!). Anyway we muddled through and pitched the tent, then had to help ourselves to showers at the 'members only' part of the campsite as the ones near our section were locked. The lady turned up much later and I STILL couldn't understand her, very strange. Anyway it was only 10.40 euros - for the place to ourselves and a picnic table, so we were happy enough!!

Note that there is a Lidl very close to the campsite. You do not need to carry your dinner around all day (like we did!)