Paula carried out her third trip for the International Award, this time for the Gold Level (see also posts of July 31st 2013 and June 25th 2012). With 3 friends she planned a 4 day-3 night hike through the Belgian Ardennes, along the Ourthe river and covering some 80 kilometers of a Grand Randonnee trail. They travelled down by train to a village south of Liege, followed by a 20 km hike, arriving at the campsite just before dusk. The next 2 days the schedule was less strenuous, but they still spend 8 hours on foot! The weather was not that great, but luckily it was mostly dry during daytime. The Award organisation provided a supervisor, and on the last day he allowed a shorter walk, and also drove them back to Maastricht, avoiding a slow train ride through the Ardennes. Paula's friends didn't sleep that well, as they forgot to bring a thermal mat, and also suffered from the rain at night (noise on tent!). Despite this the girls had a lot of fun. The last part for Gold Award is a week long stage in a community service organisation, but she will postpone that till after her final exams.
Camping along the Ourthe
Charlotte and Lara playing with corn
Paula and Charlotte on top of the world - in the Ardennes
Survivors: Rachel, Paula, Lara and Charlotte
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