Good intentions for the new year

Exploring the Western Slovakia was what we planned for the last week of this year. But due to the weather and our car condition we had to postpone this trip.
Unfortunately this also means that Maarten has to miss his babi and děda a little longer.

Short trips to the Ardennes would fulfill my longing to be in the mountains and forests again. Yet during our daily wandering through the Deurle's picturesque streets and forest paths we came across many signs marking the local network of hiking trails.

Don't worry; I'm not going to compare the bare flat plains of East Flanders with the wilderness of the American West.

Still, we've probably been very lucky to find a house in this charming village with such beautiful surroundings.

There is a good reason why Deurle is called the village of castles and domains. Our house is just across the street from The Castle de Spoelberch and The Castle of Ooidonk is located one kilometer further west.
Only if there was a bridge over the winding Lys river then.





On the foggy and rainy Wednesday morning I finally got on my bike and made a short trip across the river.




Despite the cold it was truly great and I'm intending to continue exploring the area on my bike.
Just my outfit urgently needs a little 'warm' update, such as a pair of neoprene booties to start with.