Family Storms Brewing 

Last week of June was spent with fam on Belgium/ Nederland borders. The ridiculous heat wave limited our activities, but some highlights –

Dochter van de Korenaar brewery trip :

I finally tracked it down on Friday.  Good spot in the Belgian enclave ( Baarle Hertog) . Cycled there in 37 degree heat, to prove the point about mad dogs and Englishmen –  in fact it felt cooler than walking, and obviously it was important to take on plenty of liquids ( water only while cycling).

The two locals there were intrigued that I went outside to sit under a parasol (I was just too hot inside, needed some breeze ). They joined me for a chat, and it turned out one of them knew Lianne’s family, and had been in the same class as her nephew. Small world etc etc.

After sampling four beers, my new favourite is  – Crime Passionel.  👍🏼🍻.

And big thanks to Lianne for collecting me and driving me home afterwards – the cycle trip back might have been hazardous 🍻👍🏼🥵

Family day on Saturday – Chris and Max flew in for the weekend, a rare get together for the 4 of us. Much hilarity, splashing water around with the great nephews and nieces , plus unhealthily big BBQ.

That night there was a stunning lightning storm at 02:00, wild winds, heavy rain, sheet lightning all around us for an hour or so. We were worried for the kids sleeping out in tents, and expected falling branches on the van at any moment.

Luckily everyone survived the night. And no personal or van-related BDO !

Cycle Trips

It’s so relaxing to pedal around a place that has perfected the concept of cycle ways . Had a couple of lovely rides around the NL/BE border / enclave areas. Mostly on dedicated tarmac, occasionally hard sand tracks thorough woods, almost always physically separate from motor traffic. And when you do need to share the road, great patience is shown by drivers. Plus – it’s flat ! So the range of your rides is limited not by aerobic fitness (as at home),  but by how long it takes for serious saddle-chafing to kick in. (about 2 hours for me , thanks for asking). 😵‍💫