{"id":28636,"date":"2026-08-15T02:18:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T02:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/?p=28636"},"modified":"2026-08-15T02:20:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T02:20:09","slug":"from-herselt-to-maastricht-and-the-end-of-the-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/?p=28636","title":{"rendered":"From Herselt to Maastricht – and the end of the hike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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We’ll pass through Flanders<\/a>, the Dutch<\/a>-speaking part of Belgium<\/a>,<\/em> “home of the poem…”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Welcome to the \u201cGeorgia Wasp\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

This blog is modeled on the Carolina Israelite<\/em>. That was an old-time newspaper<\/a> \u2013 more like a personal newsletter<\/a> \u2013 written and published by Harry Golden<\/a>. Back in the 1950s<\/a>, people called Harry a \u201cvoice of sanity amid the braying of jackals.\u201d (For his work on the Israelite<\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s now my goal as well. To be a \u201cvoice of sanity amid the braying of jackals<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more on the blog-name connection, see the notes below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantim<\/strong><\/em>e<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

August 14, 2026 – This is the last of three preview posts on my upcoming 140-mile hike on the GR-5<\/strong><\/em><\/a> in Holland. As noted before, we’ll start at the Hook<\/a> <\/a><\/strong>of Holland<\/a> and end up in Maastricht<\/a>, also in Holland. But in between we’ll spend 14 of the 23-day total going through Belgium. (With three days off to rest our feet, two of them in Belgium.) Or as my draft notes said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Left off at Herselt, from there to Testelt and Diest, still in Belgium, where we\u2019ll have our third day off. (Hey, I\u2019m 75 and my brother is 81.) From there we hike to Huesden Zolder, Stokrooie, Vlaandern, Zutendaal, and finally Lanaken, our last day in Belgium.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

To continue the narrative: From Herselt we hike 9.4 miles to Testelt<\/a>. It’s in a rural area of Flanders<\/a>, an area that many people know Flanders<\/em> from the World War One poem by Canadian physicain Lieutenant-Colonel<\/a> John McCrae<\/a>: “In Flanders Fields<\/a>, the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky the larks, still<\/em> bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.”<\/em> We may get a chance to pay our respects to the honored dead from that particular deady conflict in history<\/a> – and if so I’ll report on that back home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But back to Testelt<\/a>. It’s known mainly for agricultural activities, including crop farming and livestock. It\u2019s near the Albert Canal, “a significant waterway for industrial transport,\u201d but the \u201cquiet, pastoral setting contrasts with its proximity to larger urban centers like Antwerp.\u201d The Demer river flows through town, \u201ccreating a scenic valley that has shaped the village\u2019s agricultural landscape for centuries.\u201d And there’s a Bierkroeg Den Hulst<\/a>, a “cosy Belgian pub” that we<\/em> may want to visit. (Bierkroeg<\/em> translates to stein, beer mug or tankard.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next day we hike 9.2 miles to Diest, still in Belgium, where we\u2019ll have our third day off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site Diest – Discovering Belgium<\/a> has some suggestions, like Stuckens in Zoutstraat 5<\/a>, famous for it’s pastries and sweets. (Not to worry; we’ll be burning calories.) See also Diest – Wikipedia<\/a>, which notes the Grote Markt<\/em> (Grand Square), to wit: A central square “surrounded by picturesque houses from the 16th to 18th Century.” From there we hike 12 miles to Heusden-Zolder<\/a>, “nestled in the picturesque province of Limburg… Steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, this hidden gem offers a delightful mix of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.” (Those attractions include the iconic Circuit Zolder<\/em>, a world-renowned racetrack, the site of numerous international events including Formula One<\/a> races.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next day we hike eight miles to Stokrooie<\/a>, also situated along the Albert Canal, “which bisects the village and significantly altered its landscape.” The sub-municipality “maintains a rural character while benefiting from its integration into the larger urban area of Hasselt.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then comes a 9.9 mile hike to Vlaandern<\/em>, but when I Googled “Vlaandern belgium,” I got led to various sites including Flanders – Wikipedia<\/a>, but no more information than that. I’ll have to report on that town, city or whatever it is, based on personal observation. (“Something to look forward to.”) Next we head 10.3 miles to Zutendaal<\/a>, and we may<\/em> hike through Zutendaal Forest, said to be a sprawling woodland area offering numerous walking paths, “making it an excellent place to unwind, stretch your legs, and enjoy the tranquility of the Flemish landscape.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also a perfect setting for a morning jog or perhaps some meditation amidst the sounds of nature. Visiting the forest provides an excellent opportunity for quiet reflection after a busy day of meetings, all while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Next we hike 10.5 miles to Lanaken<\/a>, our last day in Belgium. Located on the Belgian<\/a>–Dutch<\/a> border, it’s said to border Maastricht<\/a> “directly” – note the quotes – and in the 2006 census, some 20 percent of the inhabitants turned out to be Dutch. Thus a number of neighborhoods in Lanaken are “characterized by these immigrants’ numerous villas and exclusive landhouses.” (So we may learn some valuable lessons on how Belgians treat such an influx of immigrants.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which brings up our last day hiking. Google says it’s a mere 3.5 miles from Lanaken to the town center of Maastricht<\/a>, back in Holland, but our spreadsheet says our hike that day will be 8.1 miles. (From our lodging in Lanaken to the one in Maastricht.) Either way, that city – our final hiking destination – is known “for its lively squares, narrow streets, and historic buildings.” It features “1,677 national heritage buildings (rijksmonumenten<\/a><\/em>), more than any Dutch city outside Amsterdam.” (The site 15 Best Things to Do in Maastricht<\/a> offers some good suggestions.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, while most of Maastricht’s city limits border Belgium’s Flemish<\/a> region, “a small part to the south also has a border with Wallonia<\/a>.” (The “Walloon” region that accounts for 55% of Belgium’s territory but only 31% of its population.) And both countries are part of “Europe’s Schengen Area<\/a> and, thus, are open without border controls.” Definitely good to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And speaking of pubs, there’s one that offers “amazing views of Maastricht,” the Bold Rooftopbar<\/a>, “on top of Sphinxcour<\/em>.” (Apparently a covered tile passage showing the history of Maastricht.) “Whether you go during the day or at sunset, the view is stunning.” Or the site 09 Best Bars In Maastricht<\/a> offers some other pub-hopping options – to celebrate the end of a successful hike – which brings us back to my first two days in Amsterdam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the Heineken Experience<\/a> – noted in the first of these three preview posts – there’s also the Caf\u00e9 Karpershoek<\/a>. This place is Amsterdam’s oldest formally recognized pub, dating back to 1606 as shown “through licensing records.” Here the “sand-covered floor follows a centuries-old method used to absorb spills.” And it’s a traditional Brown Caf\u00e9<\/em>, so called because of the dark wood wall paneling, along with warm lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. “Many developed their appearance over many generations, which is why they feel aged and familiar.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thing is, the Caf\u00e9 Karpershoek<\/a> is an eight-minute walk from the Amsterdam Centraal station<\/a>, which is where I’ll meet up with my hiking partners three days before we start<\/em> the hike. And that “Centraal” station is where I’ll end up after we part ways in Maastricht. (I’ll head back to Amsterdam; they’ll take a train to Paris and fly home from there.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, once I get back to Amsterdam’s central station from Maastricht, I’ll probably stop at the Cafe<\/em> before heading over to my last two nights lodging by Schiphol airport. (Kind of an Alpha and Omega<\/a> thing.) And hopefully meditate on the end of memorable 140-mile hike through Holland and Belgium; a hike that ended in “Beautiful Downtown Maastricht<\/a>, “with its lively squares, historic buildings – and at least one very beautiful bridge. “Looking forward to it!”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A bridge into Maastricht, with “lively squares, narrow streets, and historic buildings.”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The upper image is courtesy of In Flanders Fields – Wikipedia<\/a>. Caption: “Illustrated page by Ernest Clegg. Note that the first line ends with ‘grow<\/em>.'”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Re: Deadly wars. See Why wars are easy to start and hard to end<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Re: Sphinxcour<\/em>. See Sphinxpassage | Maastricht<\/a>: “The Sphinxpassage is a 120-metre-long covered tile passage between the Eiffel Building and Path\u00e9. Almost 30,000 tiles bring Maastricht’s Sphinx past to life in words, images and objects.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Re: The Cafe Karpershoek. See Amsterdam\u2019s Oldest Pubs: Guide to Classic Brown Caf\u00e9s<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link “Beautiful Downtown<\/a>” refers to the phrase “Beautiful Downtown Burbank” first used on the TV show, “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In<\/a>,” which premiered in 1968. The full link name is “<\/a><\/strong>Beautiful Downtown Burbank” – wesclark.com<\/a>. Gary Owens played the announcer who coined the phrase, which “soon caught on and put Burbank on the map with television viewers all across the country.” (What can I say. I’m 75 years old and still remember such things from literally a century ago. Things like “it’s not fried, it’s Shake ‘n’ Bake, and Ah hay-uped.” Two syllables.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lower image is courtesy of “Maastricht Images<\/a>.” With a page, “Welcome to the Netherlands A small country that\u2019s big on culture and nature.” <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Re:  The Israelite<\/a>.  Harry Golden<\/a> grew up in the Jewish ghetto of New York City, but eventually moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Thus the \u201cCarolina Israelite.\u201d  I on the other hand am a \u201cclassic 74-<\/strong>year-old \u201cWASP\u201d \u2013 White Anglo-Saxon Protestant<\/a> \u2013 and live in north Georgia.  Thus the \u201cGeorgia Wasp.\u201d    <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyway, in<\/strong> North Carolina Harry wrote and published the \u201cisraelite\u201d from the 1940s through the 1960s.  He was a \u201ccigar-smoking, bourbon-loving raconteur<\/a>.\u201d  (He told good stories.) That also means if he was around today, the \u201cIsraelite <\/strong>would be done as a blog.\u201d  But what made Harry special was his positive outlook on life<\/a>.  As he got older but didn\u2019t turn sour<\/a>, like many do today.  He still got a kick out of life<\/a><\/strong>.  For more on the blog-name connection, see \u201cWasp<\/a>\u201d and\/or The blog<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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*   *   *   * *   *   *   * Welcome to the \u201cGeorgia Wasp\u2026\u201d This blog is modeled on the Carolina Israelite. That was an old-time newspaper \u2013 more like a personal newsletter \u2013 written and published by Harry Golden. Back in the 1950s, people called Harry a \u201cvoice of sanity amid the braying of jackals.\u201d (For his […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28636"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28636"}],"version-history":[{"count":165,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28912,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28636\/revisions\/28912"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/georgiawasp.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}