Take a brake

After a previous collision with our closure at home (you could read on the page "about us") we drive on Friday 13/04/18 to Lembeke - camping Malpertuus - barely 20 km from home, a matter of trying everything out. A campsite where a neighbour owns a residential caravan. Except a cold shower (boiler not really suitable for a long shower, certainly not on ECO mode) everything works fine. Or not, the satellite dish does not work.

Later it turned out that she was connected incorrectly by an employee of Dicar Yellow. The antenna was connected directly to the solar panel instead of the 12V circuit. When delivered, the antenna worked because there was a lot of sun and the solar panel delivered its full power. Obviously, when the sun was low, there was not enough power to operate the antenna. We didn’t worry. We always have a hard drive, with countless films, with us.

Lembeke is a very beautiful location for walkers. The “Lembeke forests” are nationally known.
Of course we explored the forests. It was necessary to wear sturdy walking shoes, as it has rained well in recent weeks.

In the afternoon I (Dirk) was "claimed" by Rik (our neighbour) to play a few games of pentaquin!

After a very quiet weekend without further problems with the motorhome equipment, we returned home the following Monday.

On Friday 04/05/18 we left in good spirits for an initiation weekend for novice campers. This at Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort - Belgium, and furnished by Pasar (a leisure organisation). We loaded the motorhome as we would leave on a 14 day trip. With full water tank and full fuel tank. Before we drive to the camping site, we first pass a weighbridge. The public weighbridge in Aalter. Cost 2 €! You will never guess! Overloaded; 20 kg too much! Next time leave with 40 litres of water instead of a full tank. That also saves 80 kg. How does one do it if you are 4 or 5 people on board, bikes in the garage and maybe a bucket of beer?

The weekend was a success anyway. Everyone had a nice place, the weather was beautiful. The people of Pasar shared their knowledge and experience with great dedication and patience. Food and drinks, coffee and biscuits were regularly provided. There was also a lot of laughter on time, with or without a joke or some stupidity from the members.

On Sunday afternoon we walked towards Nieuwpoort bath. At the fish market we took the tram since it was still a short distance to the dike. Under a radiant sky we walked past the many stalls! It was a fair in Nieuwpoort. Then we went to get a breath of fresh air on the dike.

On 07/05/18 the weekend was over and we chugged back home, with an empty waste water tank and a little fresh water. No more overweight!

Kompas Camping - Nieuwpoort: We received a special price for a comfort pitch. A standard 60 m² motorhome pitch costs € 19.5 / night in low season (electricity included). For Pasar members there is a discount of € 4. All amenities for motorhome available. Beautiful large campsite with heated swimming pools. Quiet. Beach easily accessible by bicycle.

Na een eerdere aanvaring met onze afsluiting thuis (kon je lezen op de pagina “over ons”) rijden we op vrijdag 13/04/18 naar Lembeke - camping Malpertuus - op amper 20 km van thuis, kwestie van alles eens uit te proberen. Een camping waar een buurman een residentiele caravan bezit. Buiten een koude douche (boiler niet echt geschikt voor een lange douche, zeker niet op ECO-stand) werkt alles prima. Of toch niet, de schotelantenne werkt niet.

Bleek later dat ze verkeerd was aangesloten door een werknemer van Dicar Geel. De antenne was rechtstreeks aangesloten op het zonnepaneel in plaats van aan het 12V circuit. Bij levering werkte de antenne gezien er veel zon was en het zonnepaneel zijn volledige vermogen afgaf. Uiteraard, wanneer er weinig zon was, was er geen vermogen genoeg om de antenne te doen werken. Doch niet getreurd. Wij hebben steeds een harde schijf met talloze films mee op onze vakanties.

Lembeke is een zeer mooie locatie voor wandelaars. De “Lembeekse bossen” zijn nationaal bekend.
Uiteraard hebben we de bossen verkend. Het was wel nodig om stevige wandelschoenen te dragen, aangezien het de voorbije weken goed geregend heeft.

In de namiddag werd Dirk ‘opgeëist’ door Rik (onze buurman) om een paar spelletjes petanque te spelen!

Op vrijdag 04/05/18 vertrokken we vol goede moed voor een initiatieweekend voor beginnende kampeerders. Dit op Kompas Camping Nieuwpoort, en ingericht door Pasar. We laadden de motorhome zoals we op een 14 daagse reis zouden vertrekken. Met volle watertank en volle brandstoftank. Vooraleer we naar de camping rijden gaan we toch eerst langs bij een weegbrug. De openbare weegbrug in Aalter. Kostprijs 2€! Je raadt het nooit! Te zwaar geladen; 20 kg te veel! Volgende keer vertrekken met een 40-tal liter water i.p.v. een volle tank. Dat scheelt ook weer 80 kg. Hoe doe je het als je met 4 of 5 aan boord bent, fietsen en speelgoed in de garage en misschien een bak bier?

Het weekend was hoe dan ook geslaagd. Iedereen had een mooie plek, het was stralend weer. De mensen van Pasar deelden met heel veel inzet en geduld hun kennis en ervaring. Regelmatig werd voor eten en drinken, koffie en koekjes gezorgd. Op tijd en stond werd er ook goed gelachen, al dan niet met een mop of een of andere stommiteit van de leden.

Op zondagnamiddag wandelden we richting Nieuwpoort-bad. Aan de vismijn namen we de tram gezien het toch nog een eindje was tot op de dijk. Onder een stralende hemel liepen we langs de vele kraampjes! Het was braderie in Nieuwpoort. Vervolgens gingen we op de dijk uitwaaien.

Op 07/05/18 zat het weekend er op en tuften we terug naar huis, met een lege vuilwatertank en een beetje vers water. Geen overgewicht meer!

Kompas Camping - Nieuwpoort: Wij kregen een speciale prijs voor een comfortplaats. Een standaard camperplaats 60 m² kost in het laagseizoen 19,5€/nacht (elektriciteit inbegrepen). Voor Pasarleden is er een korting van 4€. Alle voorzieningen voor motorhome aanwezig. Prachtige grote camping met verwarmde zwembaden. Rustig. Strand gemakkelijk bereikbaar per fiets.

Finally… our first trip of the year. The motorhome has been inspected and approved for the coming year. On 3^rd April 2019 we left for Westende on our Belgian coast, to get some fresh air on the beach for three days.

We installed our camper at the Kompas Camperpark, Westende. There were still more than enough places available. Which is quite normal during the week in April.

In the afternoon we take a walk on the beach. It is chilly (cold) but good weather. A fun activity for Monique… collecting intact shells. This for our creative daughter-in-law.

In the evening it gets really cold. The heating in the motorhome failed. Fortunately it was only the gas bottle that was empty. Quickly a full hitched and soon it was pleasantly warm.

That night it was freezing and in the early morning Westende beach was covered with a white carpet. Later we heard during the weather forecast that Middelkerke was the coldest place in Belgium during the night!

In the afternoon we took the coastal tram to Middelkerke where we walked down the beach and the entire dike. The sun was present again. The wind and sand cut our faces. Our cheeks were red from the cold. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee and hot chocolate.

After a few restful and blown away days, we returned home the next day.

Kompas Camperpark - Strandjuttersdreef, 8434 Westende: 35 places - 20 hours costs € 12.50 and € 19 in high season; for 44 hours it is 21 or 30 €. You pay at the payment terminal. The advantage is that you indicate the seat number on the machine when paying. The next one can no longer indicate your place. This number is also stated on your ticket and so you can leave the camper park during your stay. All service facilities (including water, electricity) are included in the price. Very quiet location. The beach and the centre of Westende are approximately 1 km.

Finally… our first trip of the year. The motorhome has been inspected and approved for the coming year. On 3rd April 2019 we left for Westende on our Belgian coast, to get some fresh air on the beach for three days.

We installed our camper at the Kompas Camperpark, Westende. There were still more than enough places available. Which is quite normal during the week in April.

In the afternoon we take a walk on the beach. It is chilly (cold) but good weather. A fun activity for Monique… collecting intact shells. This for our creative daughter-in-law.

In the evening it gets really cold. The heating in the motorhome failed. Fortunately it was only the gas bottle that was empty. Quickly a full hitched and soon it was pleasantly warm.

We're off with it! We had all hoped that 2021 would turn out normally, but covid-19 still defines our daily lives.
We are only allowed to travel in our own country, and despite all the restrictions and measures, we take a break. Today we leave for… Blankenberge on the Belgian East coast. We are barely 50 km from home, but you still have the holiday feeling at the sea ...

Our base for the next 10 days is the Blankenberge motorhome park, which has been opened since 2019. A very spacious, beautiful camper place barely 250 meters from the beach.
It is the last day of the Easter holidays and we install ourselves in a place where we have a lot of space and overview of the surroundings.

Despite a fresh breeze, the sun is present and we decide to go up the dike immediately after our installation. Get some fresh air! There are very few people and a terrace is not there either. These are still closed due to the corona measures (reopening of the catering terraces is planned on 8 May). Shopping is only possible by appointment. Some shops are open and there is a register at the entrance where you note your name and time of your visit. Also in the otherwise overcrowded Kerkstraat (the main shopping street) there is hardly any person to be seen.

Day 2
After a fairly fresh night and a somewhat foggy morning, we walk to the “Grote Markt”. Monday is market day in Blankenberge! It was a brisk walk of 3.6 km (back and forth). After strolling around the stalls, we return to the camper place armed with fried chicken.
We spend the afternoon comfortably (out of the wind) behind our camper. The sun is shining bravely and it is blissful to enjoy the peace and the sun. Around 4 pm a few clouds appear in the sky and 5 raindrops fall (could have been a few more)! This was the only rain we had during our trip.

Day 3
The sun is shining and there is a little wind. In the afternoon we take a walk in the nature reserve “de Fonteintjes”. The starting point at Ruzettelaan is one and a half kilometres from the camper place. The walk itself is 5.6 km long and you follow nodes of the coastal walking route, namely numbers 41-39-36-40 and over the beach back to number 41.
This nature reserve stretches between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge, and since 1978 has been one of the first to be managed by Natuurpunt. The Fonteintjes were created because the sea broke through the dunes and was stopped by the Graaf Jansdijk. Digging works to make the Graaf Jansdijk stronger for the train created deeper puddles. The beautiful reed ponds contain fresh water barely 100 meters from the sea. The rain is stored under the dune and forms a freshwater lens that pushes away the salty seawater. Five types of orchids grow in the elongated dune zone. The area is especially worthwhile in the spring. Rare plants color the moist dune grasslands and you can hear all kinds of reed birds playing their most beautiful song. You walk between the sea and the coastal road so that you can always return to your starting point via the beach or by tram.

But… on the return, the sea was not visible, because of the thick fog. With the dunes as a point of reference, we return to the starting point. When we get back to the camper, the fog has cleared and the sun is back again. The evenings are cold and we spend cosy indoors. The heating is turned off around 10 pm. Gas bottle appears to be empty. Quickly outside to connect a full bottle. Once back inside, messages appear on the control screen: waste water tank is full and fresh water tank almost empty! This will be for tomorrow.

The following days there is again a lot of wind and the sun is shining. We came to the sea for a walk and on day 5 we go out again. Windbreaker and hat come in handy.
It is very unusual: there are fewer people on the seawall than during the winter. The few day trippers who are there all walk well into the beach along the waterline.
After purchasing a few items of clothing, we look for a butcher who is open. Eventually we find one against the station forecourt.

Day 6
It's finally a bit warmer. Fortunately, because today Jeffrey and Jessica (our youngest son with his girlfriend) are coming to visit. It is pleasant to sit outside out of the wind. In the afternoon we all go back to the sea dike. This time we cannot go to the beach because their dog Suki is also present. She likes to walk in the sand, but the beach is still off limits to dogs, and this until October 15th. The dunes are an excellent alternative for the dog.

The Pier of Blankenberge is one of the main attractions of this seaside town. This one is almost empty. It is not pleasant to walk because of the enormous noise caused by the start of the renovation of the Pier.
Preparatory works have started. A 10-meter high, sea-resistant, U-shaped, cofferdam (a double row of sheet piling, supplemented with sand) will be erected around the Pier, starting from the Zeedijk. Such a cofferdam can withstand the heaviest sea waves so that the contractor can carry out the works in a safe and dry way. First it is the east side of the Pier, later the west side. It is the installation of the sheet piling (pile driving) that makes so much noise. This is audible up to 2 km further on the motorhome. These piling works will probably take six months. Not a good prospect for the tourists to rent or own an apartment opposite the Pier this summer!

In 2025, after the completion of the renovation works, we will see a walkway reconstructed by analogy with the 1933 model.

During our walk we queue up to buy some warm Liège waffles and an ice cream. The seagulls are hungry and circle above the walkers. Our Jessica was unlucky. While she was happily licking her ice cream, she was bombarded by a seagull. Luckily it didn't land on her ice cream, but the sleeve of her jacket was well smeared. Anything but tasty!

Day 7
Today we take a walk in the Zeebos of Blankenberge. This Provincial Domain is located a stone's throw from the sea. It is a walking forest where you can enjoy nature and the landscape along the marked paths. One of the hiking trails is accessible with wheelchair and pram.
A cycle path also runs through the domain that connects to the coastal cycle route between Zeebrugge and Blankenberge.
At the edge of the forest, a bird watching hut offers you a wide view of the open polder next to the Zeebos. You can spot many types of birds. Waterfowl nest along the many lakes. However, the small puddles are bone dry.
The NE wind is gradually getting stronger! It will be necessary to add a blanket this night.

Day 8
We make our intention to walk daily again. Windproof jacket, hat and hiking boots are again a requirement. There is a long beach walk on the program. It is wonderful to get a breath of fresh air along the tide line. The wind and sand cut into our faces as we step towards the marina.
Despite it being Sunday today, we have the beach almost to ourselves.

Day 9
We get on the coastal tram and let us drive to Knokke. This for an afternoon of window shopping. Despite being allowed to reopen the stores today without an appointment, there are very few shoppers and many stores are still closed.
From the final stop of the tram we enter the Lippenslaan. THE shopping street of Knokke. The golf carts meet us and despite the cold wind, an old man, wearing sunglasses and a scarf, drives around in his jaguar convertible. His thin head of hair blows back and forth.
The once mundane street looks deserted. Everywhere there are works in progress, shops are empty. The seawall looks deserted for a while.

Day 10
Our last day at the sea. Time to buy a few souvenirs. In the sweet shop we let ourselves be tempted to buy a few local specialties. Not good for the figure, but oh so good.
We enjoy our trip on a bench on the seawall. The coffee we bought from the shop window tasted delicious.

The next day we drive home against our will.

Just like our first trip in 2021 started in Blankenberge, our last trip of 2021 also ended in Blankenberge. On October 10, we took a break for five days. Also now our base was the Floreal camper park Blankenberge. The intention was to walk every day, which we did. Eating mussels one last time this year. This should also not be missing from the program. In contrast to April, when all catering was closed, the restaurant of the holiday domain Floreal was open. The mussels were delicious.

What could be more pleasant, a walk on the beach in the October sun. Hopefully the autumn sun doesn't burn our faces, because sunscreen wasn't in our luggage this time. There is hardly anyone to be seen on the beach. For a moment we even got the company of a stone walker. It was so peaceful there!

The walk in the Fonteintjes was on the agenda again. In contrast to the walk in April, this one was completely in the sun and the sea could be seen on our return along the beach. What a difference! To end this brisk walk, we looked for a sunny spot on the terrace of. It was lovely to sit there with a view of the sea.

On Tuesday 12 October we boarded the coastal tram in the direction of Ostend. Along the way we lost a lot of time because of the works on the tram tracks in Wenduine. We arrived just in time, there were barely 8 minutes left on my ticket.
Our first stop was the "vistrap" on the Visserskaai. The “fish stairs” is an open-air fish market, created by the expansion of the harbor in the 19th century. We bought 2 kg of delicious fresh shrimp. The saleswoman suggested to keep them in the fridge for us so that we wouldn't have to take the shrimp with us throughout our visit to the city. After our walk we picked them up.
We walked on the dike along the artworks of Beaufort 2012: The "rock strangers" and "dancing waves". Opinions on the beauty of these statues vary widely! Personally, like local residents, I find the red plastic stones horrific.
When we walked through the shopping street it started to rain lightly. A good reason to look for a covered terrace.

On Thursday we planned a visit to Middelkerke. Since we had to go through the works again by tram, we decided to go with the motorhome and find a place for the night at the De Zeester camper park. Luckily, there was still one spot free, and this on a weekday in October!

It was nice to walk on the dike. A gentle, but cold sea breeze made our cheeks redden. But it was wonderfully warm in the tearoom and the Brussels waffle with whipped cream for me and a pancake with warm apple slices for Monique tasted delicious.

You may have already noticed it when you take a walk on the seawall in Middelkerke. Scattered over the dike you will find statues depicting cartoon characters. This is a fun quest, especially for children. I have added a photo of all statues. I missed a few, but a search on the internet turned up the remaining photos. They are not in the order of occurrence on the dike!

Camperpark Floreal Blankenberge - Koning Albert-I-59, Blankenberge - 42pl/22€ (tourist tax included) – all amenities included – numbered places to be reserved at the machine – access from 12 noon -
Very quiet motorhome stopover with beautiful, spacious pitches. Modern sanitary building with walk-in showers and toilets - you can also use all the facilities of the holiday domain on site (café, large restaurant with tasty cuisine, mini golf, ...) - the Delhaize supermarket and gas station are only 200m from the motorhome pitch

Camperpark Zeester - Oostendelaan 193, Middelkerke - 15pl/25€ - all amenities included - beautiful and very clean sanitary building - located on a very busy road - a lot of noise from traffic and low flying aircraft (Ostend airport nearby) - narrow places - no cozy space for us and expensive - when it is full you can still go to the campsite behind