Zwin Nature Park

Two weeks ago we gave away our tickets for Rock Werchter festival.

Although I was really looking forward seeing and hearing Whispering Sons,

The Cure and Tool live, my current physical condition (waiting for surgery)

doesn't allow me to visit such an energy absorbing event right now.

We're happy we found some young, eager and more energetic festival visitors!

Thinking of a much more relaxing activity...

the first thing that crossed my mind was the North Sea

We regularly visit the beach area on both sides of nature reserve Het Zwin

Dunes and Belgian Beach

The final reward after a 10 minutes (hot) dune walk... sea view and sea wind!

Sea Holly

When you walk across the dunes you might come across

Eryngium maritimum (aka sea holly and seaside eryngo).

It's an endangered species so please don't take any plants or even seeds with you.

I really like this beautiful architectural thistle!

Wow! I had never seen this large insect before. It's a great golden sand digger

Dutch Territory

 Zwin valley...

Cadzand Marina

You can find some much earlier photos of a brand-new empty marina here 

Garden Festival Hex

Finally we visited Garden Festival Hex again!

Having to choose from an enormous variety of plants...
and delicious smoked onions and garlic, its a tough job!

I instantly relax... looking at grazing, ruminating and tail waving cattle...

but only then when they can take shelter to rain and scorching sun!

Sunny view at the courtyard (and enjoying lunch) from under a shaded porch (smile)

Lots of beautiful antique garden tools from England...

Again we had a really nice day at Hex! 

Perhaps we'll go back in september... and otherwise we'll be back next spring.

You can find more posts about Hex here

Always Welcome Guardian Pan

My favourite cat outside... Pan

Stormy Weather

Lately we've been in "stormy weather"...

Perhaps you've noticed my posts become fewer and more irregular.

It's been seven years since I started this blog.

The last year was a difficult and time-consuming year.

I'm not sure what I want to do now.

I hope you want to hang in there,

it ain't over yet!