Friendships and an energy boost

I am going to boast, again, about our weather. It's October, in the northern hemisphere that means Autumn. Our temperatures range from 16 to 25 degrees and loads of sunshine with little wind. Some of my friends had already banned their summery cloths to the back of the wardrobe, with the idee that they wouldn't be needed again for 6 months.


Last Friday we, a group of 8 friends, embarked on our annual weekend away. We have been doing this for 12 years now, with a turn about couple arranging the place and activities to keep us occupied from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. This year we strayed from our usual timeframe of early July to early October. Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather. Well, mother nature obliged. We had sun all weekend and temperatures of 24 and 22 respectively with Sunday being slightly cooler at 18. No complaints here I can tell you.


We travel in pairs. As friends Harry and Hinriette wanted to take their bikes, we traveled with them. All 4 of us had no work commitments for the Friday so off we went after coffee and a relaxed start to the day. Our destination was Nunspeet in the province Gelderland. Very green, slightly undulating due to the ever present sandy underground, which for century has altered it's shape after heavy storms and windy weather patterns. You can read more about it on Chris Booth's Website. Chris, a New Zealand sculptor is responsible for a beautiful creation depicting the area's identity.

On our way we stopped off at a lovely wee 'Inn' called 't Hilletje in Kootwijk, where we enjoyed lunch while sitting outside reveling in the sunshine. As we went on our merry way we also took in the sights at a Sculpture Park. Items of wood, stone, bronze and sand in numerous shapes and forms greeted us there. We were most impressed and pleasantly surprised. Had no idea such a beautiful park was relatively close to home ( about an hour's drive).

Towards the end of the afternoon we arrived at the hotel. We walked, biked ( well I stayed back at the hotel as I still can't use my hand so couldn't steer the bike), ate, drank, laughed, chatted, discussed, agreed and disagreed, slept, and enjoyed just being together. On the Sunday we left the hotel and spent a short time in Apeldoorn, this to kill some time before our organised tasting and tour of the local beer brewery, De Schavuit.

We love playing tourist in our own country. One doesn't have to go far to have a great break away and learn more about one's homeland. And how wonderful to do that with friends.

After the recent 10 weeks of laying low and being hampered after my hand surgery, this boost to my morale and the effects of the laughter was an energising tonic much needed and gratefully received.

Click here for the link to my videos

I'm going to work on the video of this great weekend adventure. This is a very appropriate activity as I recall and relive some of these precious moments. By committing this weekend to video I am also able to share my fun time with family and friends highlighting Nederland and it's scenery to boot. The next couple of days wil see me splicing, editing and adding sound to my still somewhat amateur skills as a movie maker. Never too old to learn.