The Ardennes is a region of dense forests, rolling hills, mountains, and swift rivers - primarily in southern Belgium.
You can see on this map of Belgium that the Ardennes region includes the town of Bastogne . . .
most noted for the WWII Battle of the Bulge.
The whole region is really beautiful and sparsely populated. Most little towns have less than 10,000 people.
Like this one. La Roche-en-Ardenne. Population 4,300. We recently spent a Sunday afternoon there.
It has a lively downtown area with numerous restaurants, bakeries, and shops. Most everything was open on Sunday.
It even has the remnants of a medieval castle built in the 9th century overlooking the town.
La Roche-en-Ardenne is a popular vacationing spot for Belgians who enjoy the outdoors. Mostly kayaking on the River Ourthe.
It was really quaint and almost like a step back in time. There were several lodges like this one high on the hill overlooking the town. They all looked like they were built soon after the war.
It almost made me want to reserve a room and rent a kayak :)
* * *
And changing the subject entirely . . . I'd like to wish my in-laws a happy anniversary. If memory serves me this year marks 54 years of marital bliss. Seriously, Jim's parents are the definition of a truly devoted and loving couple. Happy Anniversary!
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