Family Ice Skating Fun at Aa-broeken

Sunday, 22-January-2017 - Veghel - A great day for ice skating at Aa-broeken pond! pics (77) 
Ice Sledding on Aa-broeken Pond  (57 sec)
Ice Skating on Aa-broeken Pond (67 sec)

Magical Ice Skating Pond

Saturday, 21-January-2017 - Veghel - This morning I babysat Seth while Chris helped Daan lay pavement brick in the front yard underneath the windows.  When I got back to Veghel, I did some grocery shopping.  It was late and the temperature was dropping when I finally got out the door to go ice skating at the Aa-broeken pond.  The sun was almost down, but there were still 40 people on the ice.  Saw Des, Nena, and Niek.  Yes, there were some spots which had melted open (photo), but this magical pond will heal itself in the evening and be ready to delight with super ice tomorrow.  Pics (37)

Magnificent Aa-broeken Ice Skating Pond

Friday, 20-January-2017 - Veghel - After babysitting Seth, I met Mieke in the  EMTÉ supermarket parking lot.  She had been skating and said the ice was now 5 cm thick.  I had to take a look for myself.  There were thirty people on the ice.  I had to quickly go home to get my skates so I could join them.  I skated for an hour, saw a fantastic sunset--tremendous!  pics (82)

Aa-broeken Ice Skating

Thursday, 19-January-2017 - Veghel - The ice was 4 cm thick today...and super smooth.  I wished I had brought my touring skates so I could take advantage of this magnificent long stretch of ice.  I met Astrid who was on the ice since 0900.  pics (32) video clip 34 sec

Aa-broeken Ice Thickening

Wednesday, 18-January-2017 - Veghel - Colder weather was forecast.  I went to check on the ice at the Aa-broeken skating pond.  I measured 3 cm by eyeball--too thin for skating.  I'll check again tomorrow.  PS.  The fresh molehills I saw on the way home told me more cold was coming. pics (62)

Fun-on-Wheels New Year Walk in the Woods

Sunday, 15-January-2017 - Oirschot - Pieter and Jennie once again hosted this year's Fun-on-Wheels New Year Toast at Pieter's home.  We walked in the nearby woods and heather meadows of the Oirschotse Heide. pics (60)