Isobel's Auderghem walk

It was cool and damp when we started our walk today in the forest near ADEPS, but all the WIC Walkers were smiling!
In our first hour we walked exactly 5km, and that warmed us up nicely. After that we slowed down a little, but we added a further 3.36km, according to our statistician.

The leaves on the trees in the forest were still the light green colour of spring, and the air was fresh and cool - perfect for walking. And despite the threatening clouds, there was no rain at all during our walk!

Isobel had found a new cafe for us, hidden away in a quiet road, and we enjoyed our coffee while we caught up on all the news since last week..... Thanks Isobel, we all had a great Monday afternoon!

Friday 28 May 2010 - Anne's lovely walk in the woods around Overijse

It was a lovely walk today and the weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold. The woods around Overijse were looking their very best with every shade of green imaginable.

And we are off....

We were 15 on the walk today plus of course Milky the dog. We walked along pathways lined with wild flowers and interesting tree stumps covered with moss. We even heard a woodpecker as we went along!!

Calling all botanists... Does anyone know what this shrub is called? It has a lovely white flower and red berries. Are the berries poisonous?? Shame Jane Geers was not with us as she knows everything about wild plants and shrubs... Jane if you are out there...

The brasserie Istas is a very nice place to have a drink after the walk. It was a shame that the terrace was not open as it turned out to be quite warm later in the afternoon but never mind we had our own private room and a good old chinwag!!

Bonnie's walk at Zoete Water on 21st May

Bonnie's walk at Zoete Water on 21st May

Bonnie led us to discover a really nice walk in a new area today. Thank you, Bonnie.

Zoete Water used to be the place where the population of Leuven came for entertainment, fresh air and pure water. The story goes that anyone drinking the spring water from Zoete Water will be married by the end of the year. Today it is a charming and still popular country place with small lakes, lots of cafes and a very nice restaurant called the Spaanse Dak. The walk went through woods and across fields, past a country chapel (see photo) where mass is still celebrated. Near the chapel we had the visit of a small but very friendly squirrel, apparently fearless and quite excited at the thought of appearing in photo form on the WIC walking blog! Sheila and her group met up with us on the terrace next to the Spaanse Dak. How wonderful to have the warm weather back!

Paulette's walk at the Chateau de la Hulpe on May 17th 2010

This lovely walk in one of the most prestigious properties of the Brussels area began in warm sunshine so that most of us decided to do without a raincoat. Alas, the rain took us by surprise after half an hour. A good lesson for those who, like me, were too optimistic! Always put a raincoat or an umbrella in your rucksack. Fortunately we were under the trees most of the time and didn't suffer too much from this unexpected change of weather. Nevertheless the temperature was just right for this outing. The Chateau looks so majestic amongst the lovely yellow and orange azaleas. The rhododendrons are still a little bit late because of the cold weather of the last two weeks but I'm sure everybody will be able to admire them once the temperature stabilises. We discovered big carpets of lily of the valley and unusual ferns as you can see on the photographs above.

After the walk, we went to the village of La Hulpe. Charlotte and Sheila knew a nice tearoom where cappuccinos, hot chocolates, delicious lemon meringue pies and waffles delighted our palates. All in all a very good walking day indeed!

Ingeborg and Sherry's Waterloo Walk

Fourteen ladies set off from Ingeborg's home in Waterloo. Quite soon we could see the Lion in the distance. As the walk continued, the temperature rose, and it became quite warm.

We walked through some very pretty countryside.

Sherry was acting as back marker to pick up any stray walkers.

Dolphine pauses to enjoy the beautiful blossom

Sherry " do you think we have enough food?" Ingeborg "I hope so"

We were treated to a beautiful spread of food - thank you Ingeborg and Sherry

News from Sandy

Here's the latest from Sandy, who sends you her best regards. How nice it must be to be able to sit outside and enjoy breakfast in the sun! Keep sending us news, Sandy, it's good to stay in touch.

Joan's Tervuren walk

We had 18 energetic walkers today for Joan's walk through the forest at Tervuren, and we set off at a brisk pace in the dappled shade under the trees.

We stopped for a group picture, but it took some time to set it up as everyone was so involved in their conversations!