Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

Our "many thanks" go to Jennifer for providing this Google earth image of yesterday's walk. We started from the bottom left ... look for the yellow pin point at St. Peter en Pauwel Kerk at about 54 Dorpstraat 3040 Neerijse, crossed the street and went up the hill. Jennifer provided the following statistics for us: Our walking distance was 7.03 km, took 1 hour and 51 minutes (with stops) and we expended 404 calories which earned us at least a cool drink afterwards.

Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

We started out going slowly up hill over a seemingly ancient walking route. This was the shady part of the trek as we were soon in more open country and under the brilliant sunshine of the day. Are we complaining? We think not ... after such a rainy July to see the sun was indeed a great pleasure even if it did help the temperature approach 28C by the end of the afternoon.

Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

There were 14 of us on today's walk so unfortunately we sort of blocked out the background view. Our thanks though go to P for leading us on this splendid summer outing. It is one of our favorites!

Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

We made our way along waterways as well as through fields. The sun was hot and those who had brought hats were glad that they had brought them.

Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

We detoured briefly to visit a duck blind hidden off the trail where we could observe the wild life on the pond beyond.

Mon., Jul. 28th - P's Neerijse Walk

This is a beautiful walk with a surprising array of interesting views to keep us alert and aware of the picturesque landscapes before us. Here we walked over duck boards through a boggy section.

Mon., Jul. 28th P's Neerijse Walk

Almost back to our starting place at St Peter's church we stopped briefly for another group photo in front of a small, picturesque chapel. Keep smiling ladies ... we're almost through!

Mon., Jul 28th P's walk in Neerijse

Our refreshments stop at the Tavern Rochus in Huldenberg provided a much needed respit after the walk in the 28C heat and humidity! We revived with our cool drinks as we enjoyed sharing some more time together. We were pleased to welcome Lydia's guest, Veronique (2nd right) on the walk today! She seemed to survive quite well ...

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy and Sonia's Walk

Sorry ladies, here is another photo from behind! It was beautiful and a bit cooler in the Watermael-Boitsfort section of the Foret de Soignes this sunny afternoon. We haven't seen this amount of sun in some time so we all enjoyed it!!!

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy and Sonia's Walk

All sixteen of us stopped and posed for this photo at the beginning of our walk this afternoon in front of the pond before we hit the trail with Sandy on the left and Sonia on the right and all the walkers in between! Sandy led the group and Sonia furnished refreshments for us all at the conclusion what a good combination on this summer's day when the temperature reached 27C. We also welcomed a new walker, Janette, (3rd left). We hope she will join us soon again.

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy and Sonia's Walk

At the conclusion of the walk some of us walked, others drove a short distance to Sonia's spacious apartment where we all enjoyed her lovely large windows and views of Watermael Boitsfort below as well as the refreshments she so kindly arranged for us.

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy and Sonia's walk

Our "many thanks" go to Sonia (center), our hostess this afternoon who took such good care of all of us. She provided nice, cold lemon tea and waters which help to quench our thrists after our hour and a half walk as well as coffee for those who wanted it. In addition, she had cookies, pound cake and ripe fresh cherries which were wonderful for a hot summer afternoon.

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy and Sonia's Walk

Felicitas and Jane found comfortable spots to settle into and share a conversation while finishing up their refreshments.

Fri., Jul. 25th Sandy & Sonia's Walk

The dining table seemed to be the most popular spot to gather although Sonia offered some comfortable seating areas, too. What a perfect way to end a summer afternoon walk in the foret de Soignes!

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

Here is our rag tag somewhat wet group who made the trek through the "Belgian weather day"on Mon., the 21st - The Belgian National Holiday led by Christa and Sandy. We started from the Place Communale in Ohain where we all met in the band stand and completed one of the Lasne walks (P-2) that Sheila had taught us last month ... "Thanks, Sheila"! We thought 12 was an amazing number for this time of year and in this type of weather to participate in today's inpromptu event. PS. we were amazed to find the doors of the Chapel Saint Roch open this time and candles lit as we had never been inside before! What a treat ...

Mon., Jul 21st Belgian National Holiday

Following the 2 hour walk we adjourned to Christa's house about a 5 minute drive away. Here we took a few minutes to walk around her new yard.

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

It had been awhile since some of us had last visited and for the new walkers it was very much fun to tour Christa's very fine recently redesigned landscaping!!! There was so much to see and so many nice spots to enjoy the views on perhaps sunnier days.

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

What a nice way to spend the Belgian Holiday! Christa, our hostess, (left) and Penny cut the fruit tarts in the kitchen before bringing them out to the ladies!

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

Eight of us were able to gather around Christa's dining table which she had already set up for us in advance to share the delicious fruit tarts she had prepared for us. It is always our great pleasure to enjoy Christa's splendid hospitality. "Thanks, Christa"!

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

Here Christa and Kathleen share a conversation at the table Christa prepared for the group in her lovely living room too with a view to the back yard beyond.

Mon., Jul. 21st Belgian National Holiday

Our hostess made us so comfortable it was hard to leave. We sat around and chatted for some time as the weather deteriorated outside. We had a great afternoon inspite of it.

Inpromptu Walk on Monday, Holiday!

Hi Walkers,

Although no walk was scheduled for the Belgian holiday on Monday, July 21^st, a number of walkers expressed their interest in participating in one if a walk were to be offered. Sandy has therefore decided to lead a walk in Ohain and so we will meet at the Bandstand (walk #18) at 1pm and those who would like to join are welcome. She will do one of Sheila’s walks from that starting point. Christa has also invited us to stop by after the walk. If you plan to come please email Sandy back so she can let Christa know … So far the following ladies have said they would come: Anne B., Joan, Sherry, Christa and Sandy. Whoops ... if I missed anyone … please advise … Thanks, Sandy

PS: Vyvyan would like to know if anyone lost some cash in the hall outside the apartment at Sheila's on the 7th of this month? If so, please contact her with the amount.

Fri., Jul. 18th Christa's Rouge Cloitre Walk

We left Christa's neighborhood and were soon in the forest nearby. Here Christa (left) leads us at the start of our trek which lasted about 2 hours. Although we had a bit of rain before we left on the walk we were fortunate that we had none while we were on it. To see some additional photos taken later at Christa's home by Dolphine Click Here! Then ... use BACK arrow to return to the blog.

Fri., Jul. 18th Christa's Rouge Cloitre Walk

It was rather dark in the forest but once we got going we had a dry walk and occasionally came into the brighter areas of the woods.

Fri., Jul 18th Christa's Rouge Cloitre Walk

Fourteen of us did pause for this group shot on a bridge in the forest. There would be three more who would join us at Christa's later for the refreshment portion of today's events.

Fri., Jul. 18th Christa's Rouge Cloitre Walk

The circuit did include passing through the grounds of the Rouge Cloitre where there always seems to be some new changes going on!