Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Twenty of us gathered for this photo at the 11am (+) start of our walk this morning in front of the lakes. We later had 5 more walkers join us for the picnic event that followed about 12:30pm. Sandy led the group on the walk and helped coordinate the items that the ladies brought to share for the meal. We were fortunate to secure 2 large picnic tables near the lakes which could seat about 12 each comfortably.
Our "thanks" go to all of the walkers who contributed in such a fine way to make this event a success ... and to Lis who was kind enough to send a salad even though she could not attend herself! Ladies ... you were just great!!!

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Hey ladies ... instead of starting with Plan "B" ... we start with Plan "A" and an hour an a half walk to work up our appetites. Therefore, we started from Dr. du Comte at Dr. de Tumuli in Watermael-Boitsfort for our exercise. Actually, the weather cooperated today and we had somewhat overcast skies with a temperature around 20C which was perfect for our trek through this part of the Foret de Soignes.

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Finally it was time to set up the 2 picnic tables and unload all of the "goodies" that had been prepared for today's annual event!

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walker's Annual Picnic

And, here too ...

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Do these walkers look hungry and ready to sample the many choices of foods that were prepared for today's event???

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

When we were through sampling the foods at one table ... it was time to move to the 2nd to see what delicious new offerings were available there! No one left hungry this afternoon ...

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Moira found her own comfortable spot and devised a tray of sorts to enjoy her own selection from the food tables while she worked on her tan at the same time!

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Some of the walkers paused a moment from their gnoshing for a quick photo before continuing to sample all of the various salads, quiches, open faced sandwiches, veggies & dip, breads and finger foods that appeared for our consumption this afternoon.

Mon., Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

Well, at least I got a photo of ONE of the desserts before they disappeared so quickly. Here Christa unveils her delicious Tiramisu topped with a mixture of fresh red berries .... Yum ... just one of the many beautifully prepared treats we enjoyed this afternoon!

Jun. 30th - WIC Walkers' Annual Picnic

And so it finally came to a close and we headed back up the hill to the cars with all of our picnic gear ... minus, of course, most of the food we toted down in the first place. We were pleased that the weather cooperated so that 2008 was indeed a successful picnic for all who could attend.

Sheila's "Farewell" Walk - July 7th!!!

The weather looks good for our picnic tomorrow.

It would be helpful if we had some idea of how many are coming on my last official walk on July 7 though of course the odd extra would be fine. I have Maggie, Janet. Jennifer, Martha, Christa W, Moira, Paulette and Sandy so far. If you could let me know by Monday evening (picnic day) because we are going away for a few days, that would be helpful.

Great walk on Friday and now we all have the directions, everyone could lead it. Sheila

Fri., Jun 27th - Martha's Sept Fontaines Walk

Our many "thanks"go to Martha (blue WIC shirt) for leading us on such a splendid walk around Sept Fontaines in Rhode Saint Genese this afternoon. What a beautiful area for us all to enjoy any time of year. With temperatures at about 20C we were able to still stay comfortable in spite of our exercise. Here Martha shares her planned route with us.

Fri., Jun. 27th - Martha's Sept Fontaines Walk

The 10 of us walked in groups of twos and threes as we started off down the path by the lovely lakeside eventually passing by the rolling hills of the Sept Fontaines golf course.

Fri., Jun. 27th - Martha's Sept Fontaines Walk

For the most part it was a perfect setting and conditions for our walk this afternoon with lovely rural views and country lanes to follow. Toward the end of our two hours the wind picked up and we started to get some splashes of heavy rain drops but with the usual luck of the WIC walkers we got through with Martha's guidance! "Thanks" Martha for the outing today and following up with sending those of us who attended the details of the route we followed afterwards. We have missed this walk that Alison use to do a variation of for us.

Fri., Jun 27th - Martha's Sept Fontaines Walk

Just as we settled ourselves at a splendid table at the water's edge ... the heavens let loose and we were forced to move to several tables under the shelter of the front porch at the restaurant La Pineta. We can't say the service was particularly friendly or appreciative of our business ... in fact the waiter overcharged us for some of the drinks ordered.

Fri., Jun. 27th - Martha's Sept Fontaines Walk

Confronted by the excesses of overcharges on the billing, our waiter, insisted there had been price increases that didn't appear on the printed menu. We decided that we would not stop here again unless there was a different person serving us and/or we double check on the prices before ordering! The view; however, was really great.

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

And, ... so we were off!!!

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Passing through the ruins of the Abbey is always an impressive sight at the beginning of our walk from the parking lot across from the cafe.

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

We headed through the arch and up the cobble stone path to start our walk.

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Eleven of us gathered for this group shot as we took a moment's break in the brilliant sunshine. Unfortunately, some of the walkers were "lost" in the shadows and hidden under their hats.

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

We walked highways and back roads as well as wooded paths and open fields on today's walk around the ruins of the Abbey of Villers la Ville!

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Yuko points out just some of the beautiful flowers we encountered on today's walk!

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Here we are practically lost in the tall grass! It was even a challenge to find the route ...

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

It was a treat to find delicious wild strawberries in such abundance as we passed along the railroad tracks toward the final leg of our walk. Naturally, we had to indulge just a little bit!

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Now ... where did we go? Some of us reviewed our route as we relaxed under the trees on the terrace of the Cafe while waiting for our cool drinks to arrive.

Mon., Jun. 23rd - Sheila's Villers la Ville Walk

Our "thanks" to Sheila (right) for the walk this afternoon ... the first full day of summer '08. It was a treat to be out and about on such a beautiful day and in such a lovely spot!