Wandering in February

When the weather tricks you into going outside.

Yesterday morning I woke up to actual sunshine out the window.

I almost didn’t believe it. The energizing power of the sun in February in Germany is intense - I declared we were going for a HIKE. Whether my family wanted to come along was another matter, but eventually it was a plan. By the time we’d all done the necessaries (and I’d made a batch of bribery pancakes), the blue sky was whispy with clouds. No matter!

We have beautiful walking areas just outside our house in west Aachen, but wanted to explore further. And seriously, we are spoiled for choice here. I’d seen this app, Komoot, but hadn’t looked at it thoroughly. Now I can totally recommend it! (fyi not sponsored) We picked a trail starting over by Kelmis, in Belgium. We’re in the tri-border area so both Belgium and the Netherlands are at our doorstep.

This is Casinoweiher, a nature preserve. There was one enormous swan, a big party of ducks, some coots by the shore, and a bunch of geese bossing everyone around.

There were little hobbit like house structures, ancient lichen covered walls, intricate iron gates, medieval plaques, barns with teal painted doors (for sale, if you’re interested), wide open fields, dense fairy forests with thick mossy floors, a castle under renovation. Basically, a delight. The weather was definitely turning though. It didn’t seem like the same day that had started with sun. What was supposed to be a 10 kilometer hike, we shortcutted and wandered our way back to Kelmis.

Rosie was transformed with a good scrubbing, and Raven just needed his paws cleaned since he dislikes mud (he essentially floats over it, as regal sighthounds do).

And by this time, there was actual snow falling, coating everything with a thick blanket, to be replaced by rain in a few hours as we’re entering the multiple personality season of early spring.

And speaking of multiple personalities, it’s Karneval season! The penguin costume comes out every year.

Hope you have a good start to your week!

xo Devon