Mon., Dec. 28th Joan's Tervuren Walk

Since we are in the middle of the holidays we did not know how many might be in town and ready to paricipate in today's walk. The holiday spirit was still with at least 7 of us though as we met down by the Tervuren Lake behind the African History Museum with Joan in the lead. Most of the snow had melted but we did still encounter some icy patches here and there on the lower, cooler area paths which slowed us down a bit. Our intention was to meet up with Sheila and the Easy Walkers at the new Boat House restaurant after the 2 walks at about 2:30pm. Our walk, however, took longer than expected and we never did meet up with Sheila???

Mon., Dec. 28th Joan's Tervuren Walk

The sun actually accompanied us on quite a bit of the second half of the walk this afternoon and with a temperature of about 5C (with no wind) it was fine winter weather for walking.

Mon., Dec. 28th Joan''s Tervuren Walk

After our 2 hour and 15 minute walk we met up in the Tervuren Square with Gisela and Margosha who had just returned from a scouting excursion to the Boat House cafe restaurant where we were to meet up with Sheila, Keith and anyone else with the Easy Walking group at about 2:30pm. They advised us that the restaurant was totally full and that they did not see Sheila there. Based on this report we decided to have our refreshments at the Mont Blanc. Sandy tried to call Sheila and left a message on her cell phone to tell her where we were. Meanwhile, we enjoyed our hot drinks and just relaxing for a few minutes before heading to our cars.

Frozen music !

The animals on our Tervuren musical fountain were frozen into silence this week. We hope they'll be playing again next time we visit !

Fri., Dec. 18th Sandy's Walk from Under the E411

Thursday afternoon it started snowing in Brussels and by this morning we had about 4 inches on the ground. Sandy changed the meeting spot from the Bois de la Cambre to under the E411 from where it would be easier for us to walk. We happy few ... who gathered for today's walk through the snow covered forest in -4C temperature ... were not disappointed!!! The wind predicted never materialized so it was lovely and tranquil with lots of great views to admire. And, where was Janet with her trusty camera to take today's special artistic snaps??? For excitement we had a large German Shepard attack Milky and Sandy slipped on the ice and landed on her rump ... all in all we survived. Those who came felt it was all well worth it for our last Friday walk of 2009!

Fri., Dec. 18th Sandy's Walk from Under the E411

Here are just a few more ...

Fri., Dec. 18th Sandy's Walk from Under the E411

Yuko was kind enough to invite us to her home nearby after the walk for hot tea, cake and little nibbles. "Many thanks, Yuko"... We very much enjoyed your hospitality! Milky got his bath and then came up to join us at her comfortable table. From there we could look at her back yard which had filled up with snow ... including her Christmas tree! The snow makes this time of year look quite festive ...

Mon., Dec. 14th Paulette's Jezus-Eik Walk

Not only was this the first frost of the fall season but it was darn cold, too! With the temperature houvering around 0C we definitely got a brisk work out today. We can't complain too much because we were dazzled by the sunshine and crisp air. A brisk pace was set also so we warmed up quickly. With almost 20 of us we were pretty well strung out along the route but all managed to get together for the 2 group photos. Our thanks again to our guest photographer who helped us out and to Paulette who led such a nice walk.

Mon., Dec. 14th Paulette's Jezus-Eik Walk

The top photo in this series almost looks like the ground is covered with a heavy frost. I think the camera lens was instead! We continued our excursion back from Quatre Bras so that we completed the circuit through the lovely Arboretum. It was then time to find some space at Istar cafe restaurant. We were shuffled off to a side room where most of us could gather at a long table. The four remaining took a booth. Most of us were more than ready for a suitable hot drink to warm us up. Our thanks to Tina who handled the collection of monies to pay this afternoon's billing! For more photos from Janet on this afternoon's walk ... Click Here!

Christa announces the arrival of Elena

Dear fellow members of the walking group, greetings from Germany from a very happy new grandma! Elena Christina arrived on Dec. 7 and we are all very grateful for this wonderful new addition to our family.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas time and a good New Year and hope to join you again in January for many good walks and chats
Christa

Fri., Dec. 11th Sandy's Tervuren Walk

Eleven of us met down by the Tervuren lake for this afternoon's excursion. It was overcast but no rain or drizzle so it was good walking weather with a temperature of about 7C. We enjoyed some lovely views as we made our way around the lakes and we stopped for several group photos including another "WOTR" (WIC on the rocks) photo!!! Many thanks to our guest photographer for his help today ...

Fri., Dec. 11th Sandy's Tervuren Walk

Today we decided to try the new "Boat House" restaurant on the Tervuren lake which opened recently to the public. It replaces the former restaurant which burned to the ground a number of years ago. Even at this time of year it had a lovely view to enjoy! Their menu is limited until the New Year but this was not a problem for us since most of us were just ordering hot drinks. They were very nice to let us put a number of tables together so that we could all gather at just one. The service was good and we agreed it was worth a return visit.

Mon., Dec. 7th Paulette's Alsemberg Walk

After a dreary several weeks of really rather dreadful Belgian weather we were more than pleased to get a respit from the gloom and really enjoy a very nice change with a temperature of about 10C and muted sunshine all afternoon. Alsemberg is one of our favorite walks as we start in the middle of a busy suburb area from the Vastiau Godeau parking lot and are soon into lovely rural landscapes. We did encounter a little mud in the lower areas but nothing like we had on Friday. Paulette even chose to do the 15+ minute extra excursion which worked out well for us this time! We were also very happy to have our friend Maija back for a visit from Finland as we have not seen her for some time.

Mon., Dec. 7th Paulette's Alsemberg Walk

One ominous sign was the powerful tractor we encountered in the process of turning a former lovely sentier into a road! Further along we enjoyed the wild life along the route which always makes this walk special.