News from Kathleen Lucido - Janet Middleton Writes:

Many of you will be aware that I was fortunate enough to visit ex-WIC Walker Kathleen in February - and I'm ashamed it's taken me so long to put some pictures of my visit up.

Kathleen was, as you would expect, a fabulous hostess, and introduced me to some lovely local walks in Marin County (where she lives in San Anselmo)including the famous Muir Woods (named for the man who created the American National Parks system). Kathleen really lives in a lovely part of the world, not far from the city but close to the extensive coast, beautiful countryside and Napa Valley.

I had a busy 10 days, as Kathleen also introduced me to the history of California, the City of San Francisco, her kind sister who ferried me into SF the mornings that Kathleen was working, Acme Bread and Peet's Coffee! And one of the highlights of the week was a visit to the exhibition Pulp Fashion: The Paper Art of the Belgian Isabelle de Borchgrave!

Kathleen is currently working for a health care insurance/provider in SF, whilst Tom her husband has just started a job in Chicago. They're going to see how the commuting works!

Anne F's walk in Neerijse

On the hottest day of the year so far, Anne F. led us on a splendid walk through the countryside of Neerijse.

We enjoyed soaking up the sun on the bridge over the river.

We followed the river back to the village of Neerijse and were glad to find plenty of space on the terrace of the Cafe Rochus in Huldenberg, where we enjoyed some delicious pancakes and waffles.

We were delighted to welcome Bia to our group today, and she told us that the waffles in Liege are even better. Can that be true? We will have to go and try them one day.....

Monday 21 March 2011 - Auderghem

We had a marvellous day for Yoko's walk around Rouge Cloitre and Auderghem The sun was shining and signs of springtime were all around us.

We walked through Rouge Cloitre and could not help but admire the horses. One of them was having a good old wash and rub down and was not in the slightest put out when we all passed by. The Chateau St Anne and Val Duchesse looked even more impressive in the sunshine and the little streets and tiny passage ways of Auderghem were wonderful.
After the walk Yoko invited us to have coffee and cake back at her place where we were delighted to meet Leon the latest edition to the household - he certainly is full of life. Hopefully he made off with an old pair of sneekers!!! Whilst we were there Yoko invited us to make a donation to the Japanese disaster fund. This link will give you direct access to make a donation on-line. We are delighted to say that Yoko's family in Japan are safe.

Many thanks go to Yoko and her husband for their generous hospitality.

Martha's walk in the Bois de la Cambre on 18th March 2011

Martha took six of us for a nice 2 hour walk from the parking lot in the Bois de la Cambre on a cool, overcast day. It didn't rain until we left the cafe!

We saw a large turtle on a log in the pond near Chalet Robinson and anemones in bloom. We walked into the Foret de Soignes and returned into the Bois to discover two lovely red-necked grebes on their nest with 5 eggs in the water. (Thanks, Lydia, for identifying the birds). Too bad Martha's photos of them did not turn out.

We tried a new place for refreshments and were happily surprised to meet Paulette. The Cafe de la Pressehas a "living room" setting where we enjoyed our hot drinks and sampled cupcakes.

Thank you Martha for your text and photos.

Margaret and Susan's walk in Overijse on 11th March

Here are some photos of the walk in Overijse taken by Margaret for your viewing pleasure.

Thank you Margaret.

Seven of us started from Kardaan and did a 7.4km walk. The steep ascent of the Kardaan made the other hills seem easy!

Most photos were taken on the Kardaan side of the Dreef.

As the Koffiehuis was closed, we went to De Met on Justus Lipsiusplein. There we were joined by Sheila and Audrey, who had found the "easy" walk less so than usual given the hilly terrain, but seemd to have enjoyed it anyway. .

As you can see we made a four-legged friend on the way round.

Jane's walk in the Foret de Soignes on Monday 7th March 2011

A big group of walkers met in the car park of Welriekende Dreef to walk in the forest under the guidance of Jane. Thank you so much Jane for taking over at such a short notice.

First stop in front of the Chapelle de Bonne Odeur

Then, the start of the Sentier des Putois

In front of the playground before taking the way back along the Chemin des Faisans, in the tunnel where the Ring meets the E411

And finally at Istas for a well deserved drink. A very nice walk indeed!

Paulette's walk in Ohain/Lasne on March 4th 2011

Thanks to the sun, there were 20 of us walking in Ohain yesterday. What a beautiful day! This lovely walk took us through woods and fields and along the "Smohain". Thank you Christa for leading the second part of the walk. Everybody was happy to arrive at Christa's to enjoy her welcoming house, her delicious cakes and warm coffee and tea. Many thanks again Christa for your hospitality!