22-8-7: GR565 from Albertkanaal to Zoersel

Simone brought me to the bridge crossing the Kempisch kanaal where Gr565 turns east. It started to drizzle 5 min. before we arrived there. Since it seldom rains for the whole day I braved the dark skies. The pattern of the trip was build up areas with big houses with electric fences (small houses have barking dogs) alternating with dark woods. About 85% of the track is paved. Just before Halle the markings were so poor that I lost track but after approx. 4 km I found the yellow/white markings again. At Het Boshuisje one crosses the GR5. The gentle rain turned into a rain burst lasting for 1 hour. My underwear and socks got wet and the dog was soaked.
I arrived at Zoersel at 16.00 and found.... Simone. I made the car heater work at full speed and was driven home.

Distance: 27,5 km. Mixed surroundings. A fair lot of forest.

Personal rating: *

The GR12 again (31-7-2007)

Looking at the map Grimbergen-Mechelen did not appeal to me. I am a backcountry lover. This preoccupation was enforced by losing my way in awaking Mechelen. The GR markings were poor, hidden or not at all present. So, when a saw a bus going to Grimbergen just 5 min. after arrival at the railway station I decide to walk from the south to the north. After changing to bus 821 I arrived in full sunshine at the centre of Grimbergen where it was easy to pick up the trail. Off I was. Going north had to be the right direction. After just a few hundred meters the tar road changed into a small unpaved track and soon I entered the undulating corn fields. Almost 70% of this stretch of the GR runs along small paths. This was a real delight. Once at the Zenne near Mechelen I lost track again. The path is running down from the river dyke!
Within the town’s boundaries lies the beautiful provincial domain called Vrijburg park. It provide the needed sun. By now I followed my GPS since being led by the red-white signs was rather frustrating and made me feel like a young dog walking up and down.
Mechelen is a nice town with lots of historical buildings and nice parks. It gave me a feeling of dignity and tranquillity although the town is very close to Brussels.

Under the windscreen of my car I found what looked like an official document nicely wrapped in plastic. There is lots of parking space if one overlooks the ticket booth.

Distance: 24 km. Almost flat track. Personal rating: ***