Sunday 20 March 2022

Impossible Spring

Having arrived at the Spring Equinox, we can safely assume that Spring - however impossible - has finally sprung!

What's more, we certainly have no reason to complain about the weather lately! Although most days still have a frosty start to them, the sun has been working overtime to crank up the thermostat to double digits by lunchtime. Rain, on the other hand, has been virtually non-existent, which is a blessing after all the precipitation we had to contend with in the past couple of months! 

As usual, my blog hasn't caught up with the times, so that once again this post involves a tiny hop and a skip down memory lane. This brings us to Saturday the 5th of March, which insisted on a repeat of Friday's sunshine and balmy 12°C.




We were raring to go outside and have our faces kissed by the sun once more, and what better way to do so than by going for a walk among nature's soul soothing splendour?

Creatures of habit that we are, we once again set off into the direction of Blaasveldbroek, home of the marsh spirits. 

I was giving Friday's green vintage jacket with its furry collar a repeat outing. In fact, it has been a joy to wear shorter jackets instead of my long Winter coats. As much as I love the latter, I'm starting to get a bit bored of them by now. My weekend bag, walking boots and floral walking stick are all the same as before, but I did wear a different beret and scarf. We'll have a look at the rest of my outfit in a bit.



The sun was shining brightly and it had started warming up considerably by the time we arrived at our destination after a twenty-minute drive. Instead of parking at the main car park, though, we opted for a small car park reached by way of a narrow country lane, the final part bumpy and unsurfaced and ending in a clearing in the woods. As a rule, not many cars are parked here, which makes it feel like a well kept secret.

The wooden gate posts give access to the domain itself. Immediately beyond it lies the first of the reserve's many ponds (top right), the water level of which was higher than we'd ever seen it before.

Instead of walking through the gate, we turned immediately right to walk along a broad tree-lined path (bottom right), with a smaller, dark and mysterious pond to our right.




To the left, a vista of watery reflections opened up, the expanse of blue sky meeting its twin in the looking glass lake. In the Summer months and well into Autumn only glimpses of the lake with its islets and peninsulas are on offer, and it's only in Winter and early Spring that its captivating beauty is fully revealed. 



From the path, a wooden boardwalk leads down to a small platform jutting out into the lake, on which I'm standing in the opening photo of this post. More than once, we've either picnicked or just sat and stared on the bench to the right of the boardwalk just before the platform is reached, but it would have been impossible to do so now without getting our feet thoroughly wet.



There's a second boardwalk a little further on, leading down to a larger platform ending in a railing erected for fishermen to rest their rods on. It's usually occupied, but much to our surprise there wasn't a soul in sight, which must have been a first.

We were admiring the view of the placid lake with its reed bordered edges, when I suddenly spotted the giant sun lounger we sunbathed on during one of our previous visits. It's hidden about half-way among the reeds in the photo on the top right, but I've zoomed in on it in the one on the bottom left.



Soon afterwards, we turned right at a T-junction and skirted the lake until the sun lounger was reached.

Immediately behind it is a closed off path, which used to be our favourite. Nowadays, it's the habitat of a beaver family, which is the reason it has been out of bounds for us humans since early 2019.




We spent 15 minutes or so reclining on the lounger, soaking up sunshine and replenishing our Vitamin D levels. The perfect opportunity to offer you a view of my curry-coloured opaques and the hem of my dress.

/
 
Arriving at another junction, we veered off to the left again. However lovely, the path to the right would eventually end at a stretch of water used for water sports, which would mean a boring walk along its tarmacked edge before another entry point into the reserve is reached.

To the left it was then, negotiating some muddy stretches, with seriously waterlogged meadows to our left. I think I may have mentioned before that huge chunks of this area are barely above sea level!



Eventually we reached the reserve's visitor centre, which has a choice of picnic benches as well as an adventurous play area for children. Much to our delight, there weren't too many people about, so that we had the pick of the benches for once.

But first, let me sit down on a log and show you what I was wearing. This brown, rust and cream vintage dress had been waiting in the wings for a while. Apparently, I last wore it in November 2020, funnily enough combined with the same tights, and with the same brooch pinned to its tie collar. 




At least I wore a different cardigan and belt, both in a contrasting shade of chartreuse, this time!




We sat ourselves down on our favourite bench made from the trunk of a fallen tree and guarded by a pair of bronze beavers. One of them was so kind to keep hold of my scarf and beret while we were taking photos. 

Our sandwiches, meanwhile, attracted the attention of the resident cat who is always lurking around the picnic area looking for people to pester for tidbits. We used to call her a slimmer version of Phoebe, but now she seems quite big compared to petite, small-boned Bess.



After bidding Big Black Cat farewell, we continued our walk alongside swollen brooks and more water meadows. 

Our final stretch took us to yet another of the area's lakes, which seems to be a favourite with the reserve's wildlife. There is plenty of waterfowl here, with the honking of geese and the clucking of moorhens providing the soundtrack. A cormorant sat drying its wings after its tasty lunch of fish.
 


Although the sun still graced us with her presence on Sunday, the temperature had taken a dive to just 8°C. After a morning of chores, it was time to get out my gardening gear for another clearing session, this time tackling the seriously overgrown long border to the right of the garden path and the equally chaotic border in front of the bench.

It was a delight to discover we've got daffs and crocuses. Meanwhile, the lilac pansies and the yellow and pink primulas we bought at the garden the other week are doing their best to cheer up the area under the awning just outside the kitchen door. Just need to get into the watering habit again!



Afterwards, I changed into my real clothes again!

The striped vintage dress I was wearing was bought in the Think Twice sales during a trip to Bruges in April 2019.  Accessorizing it was easy: I just added oodles of pink! Although there isn't any pink in its stripy pattern, there's a splash of lilac, similar in shade to that of the pansies. For some reason, the camera refused to capture it!



I cinched my waist with a textured pink belt, a recent charity shop find I forgot to show you.

Pink opaques, a raspberry beaded necklace and a pink metal flower brooch completed my outfit. My pink longline cardigan has seen better days, so it isn't usually worn outside the house. Nevertheless, its shade of pink was just spot on.




I'll be back with more outfits, charity shop finds and garden updates in my next post. I hope you'll join me again then.

Have a great start to the week!



42 comments:

  1. A gloriously sunny walk made even more special by those bronze beavers - how cute that obliging model looks in your beret and scarf!
    Loving that oversized bench and how much Black Cat is enjoying her fuss.
    I went out without a coat and with bare legs this morning, I'm sure these mild temperatures won't last but its wonderful to make the most of them when we can.
    The mustard opaques and marvellous with the berry tones of your dress and the blue and pink are perfect together. xxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! We always enjoy our walks in Blaasveldbroek but it's a bonus when the sun shines! xxx

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  2. Oh it's so lovely to see everyone's blog photos moving into their spring colour palette! I had to do a double take at some of your lakeside/boardwalk photos - they look so similar to the lake at Himley Hall, just down the road from us. Love the beavers and cats make everything better! I always think cormorants are mesmerising when drying their wings. Your lilac pansies are beautiful and the splashes of pink in your final outfit work wonderfully! xxx

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    1. Thank you Claire! Imagine the lake at Himley Hall looking so similar ... Cormorants are such fantastic creatures, aren't they? xxx

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  3. cute and friendly black cat!
    we too have frost - and frozen water - every morning, only to thaw at midday in the glorious sunshine. i´m really glad i filled the reservoir in february.... it´s extremely dry.
    pansies are such happy flowers and the primulas in our frontyard came out of the cold soil - brave little flowers!
    pink is the perfect choice for spring :-D
    hugsies! xxxx

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    1. Thank you Beate! If one can't wear pink in Spring, then when can one? xxx

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  4. How exciting to have beavers in the reservation. I hope you manage to get a glimpse of them soon and share some photos with us...

    Lovely outfits as always and it is good not to have to wear big coats all the time and get out the jackets. We have a good week of sunshine and reasonable temperatures ahead so it might tempt me to bring down some of my lighter wear from the loft...

    It's lovely to see the Spring flowers in bloom in the garden. I'm very lucky; OH is a dedicated plant waterer!

    Have a great week
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! Wouldn't it be exciting to catch a glimpse of those beavers? Although I don't really think that'll be happening ... xxx

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  5. Yes, the Spring has sprung. It's a bit fresh and windy here but at least the sun is not hiding so I don't have anything to complain about.
    What a lovely walk! The water reflections are beautiful. I love your green vintage jacket with a furry collar. I can see why you like to wear it. A great piece! It is great how you always dress so stylishly for your hikes.
    The outfit with the striped blue and white dress is absolutely fabulous. I love how you paired this dress with a pink cardi and belt. I always enjoyed the combination of pink and blue.
    Have a lovely week ahead beautiful!

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    1. Thank you Ivana! I do not often wear pink and blue together - I think! - but I think this was just right! xxx

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  6. I actually saw an item on the news last night, reminding people that - although it's now officially spring - it will be a while until temps get warm. On the NEWS. It's like we've forgotten how the seasons work! Our springs are often a mix of hot/cold, windy, sunny, rainy weather. That's just how it goes.

    Loved this adventure you've taken us on, Ann. Such beautiful pictures! I laughed at the bronze beaver wearing your hat/scarf and "aw"-ed at the Black Cat who visited you.

    It drives me nuts how some colours just do not photograph - but I adore all the pinks you've mixed with your blue dress. So nice to see all those lovely flowers!

    Have a great week, my dear friend!

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    1. What a strange world we live in ... although this being on the news beats all the depressing reports about Covid and Ukraine, surely! xxx

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  7. So lovely sunny walk and so lovely photos of you basking in the sun! or posing with that bronze beaver!, and wearing an equally sunny outfit!. Love your matchy tights and cardi and the burgundy printed dress!.
    So amazing that the water is so high these days, the river is running low here and some rain would be welcomed (even if it inconveniences some of us).
    Really fab striped dress and pink accessories (pink galore!, love it!), so delightful ensemble. It makes me feel that spring is on its way, and your garden corroborates it!
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! It's true that it's been dry for a long period now ... although it is raining as I'm typing this :-) xxx

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  8. The beavers are so cute, and make good models. Statues just seem to invite silliness. Excellent matching of pink tights and sweater. I hope the cat didn't go away empty pawed.
    Have a great week!

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    1. Obviously, the cat didn't go away empty pawed :-)

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  9. Loved seeing these pics from your walk. The green jacket from your first look is cool.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  10. I love the giant bench! Very whimsical! And those beaver statues! I think the cat might be cursed and looking for someone to turn them back human!

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    1. I never thought about that, Laura, but indeed it seemed to like un-cat-like things like bread! xxx

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  11. Such beautiful pictures...thanks for sharing dear :-)
    Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion

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  12. The beaver looks cute with your scarf and hat :)
    So many nice pictures. Spring is on the way ;)
    With a very huge hug Tina

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  13. I really like both of these dresses and I smiled at the beaver statue wearing your accessories!
    Love how you wore yellow and rust in the first outfit with the matching cardigan and tights, and again in the second outfit with the blue and pink. I always enjoy wearing blue and pink together!

    Hope that you are having a great day :)

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! It wasn't the first time one of those beavers was wearing one of my hats! xxx

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  14. Als erstes mal ein großes Kompliment an die schönen Naturbilder mit der Spiegelung im Wasser. Das sind ganz besonders gelungene Aufnahmen.
    Und Outfit technisch ist die PINK-Variante ganz mein Fall. Super schön und frisch ist diese Kombination. Der Cardigan dazu ist wirklich ein tolles Stückchen in Deinem Kleiderschrank.
    Durch Zufall bin ich auf Deinen Blog gekommen - ich komme wieder.
    Beste Grüße
    Martina

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment Martina xxx

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  15. Aren't we lucky with all the glorious sunshine at the moment! The pond with the boardwalk reminds me of Friday the 13th, which I love, lol. And all that waterfowl is such a joy to watch isn't it! And what a beautiful dresses of course. I love both colour combinations. The second one reminds me of ice cream!! Can you believe that we are going to Rye this Sunday!! With some hurdles as P&O ferries decided to go on a strike. But today I received a mail that we will cross with DFDS. I am really exited!! And I hope that you and Jos can go soon too!

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    1. Thank you Nancy! The sunshine has come and gone, though, and I hope it returns soon! So glad that you made it to Rye! xxx

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  16. I’ve got my curry coloured tights on today and Fly boots with black n white gingham frock ready for a walk around the reservoir and a stop off for milk and berries on the way home. Enjoy the lovely sunshine Ann. It’s so uplifting isn’t it xxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn! Curry coloured tights and a black and white gingham frock sound absolutely delightful! xxx

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  17. The beavers are taking over our footpaths and berets!!! Plus I'd be weary of the stealth fury sandwich beast. I sense the marsh spirits were strong that day. Stunning reflected trees. I am loving your primula in a tea pot and your potted pansies look beautiful. Well done on the super hero clothes change and border tackle. Always a joy to see you in your colourful outfits Ann. Lulu xXx

    p.s. I love beavers.

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    1. Thank you Lulu! You're not wrong about the marsh spirits. I do love beavers too, although I have yet to come across a real live one (as opposed to bronze one) in the wild! xxx

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  18. Wonderful photos! It's been wonderful to have a couple of weeks of beautiful weather here. The sun is still shining today, however someone mentioned snow for the end of the week!

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    1. Thanks Nikki, they were not wrong about the snow, weren't they? xxx

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  19. It has been the perfect weather for some weeks now. First it was very cold, but that's forgotten. Now they are predicting snow ... Snow? I don't want to think about it ... ;-)

    All the best!

    Regula

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    1. I know, we actually had snow here in Belgium too! xxx

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  20. That chartreuse cardi suits you so well, and works brilliantly with that dress.

    Aha! The lesser-spotted Belgian Panther, stalking its natural prey, the sandwich!

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    1. Thank you Mim, I did have a good chuckle at the second part of your comment. Hold fast to your sandwiches, people! xxx

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  21. Such tranquil, early springtime outdoor loveliness. One can see the proverbial dial gradually being turned up on the sunshine brightness level in these beautiful images.

    It does the body, mind, and soul a world of good, I find, to be presented with the gift of mild, snow-free weather once again.

    May this whole spring be a time of tranquility, safety, happiness, and oodles of enjoyable outings for you both.

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn, and I do hope you are having some snow free days by now! xxx

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