On the ice

From today temperatures will rise above freezing point, and this will stay the same the coming week, so anybody who wants to skate this Winter, it's pretty much now or never. 

These photos were taken at the ice rink in Borger around noon today.

New Year's hike

We joined the annual 'New Year's Hike' from the village of Exloo today. With +1°C we enjoyed the organised route of 15 km. There was a short break for coffee/tea at the Exloo ice rink, which was all prepared for freezing weather but so far no ice yet.

This small building is the skating club canteen. It was crowded inside with hikers so we had our coffee outside before continuing the route.

Ice skating rink

The Christmas Fair included a small ice skating rink.

Kids enjoyed themselves on the ice while their parents sat for something to drink or eat.
Once more the Fraeylemaborg in the background.

Odoorn ice-skating rink

On foot from the Schapenpark nature area back to the village of Odoorn we passed the skating rink and canteen belonging to the local ice-skating club 'Schoonmeer'. During the Winter when it is cold enough this area will be flooded so a shallow field of ice will appear. Surrounded by forest it must look nice when everything is frozen.

An ice-skater made from tubes looks out over the field. According to the text underneath the sculpture was most likely put here in 2001 at the 75th anniversary of the ice-skating club. It says:  "1926-2001 IJsvereniging Schoonmeer".

Groningen ice-rink

School holidays are until the end of this week so busy times at the ice-rink on the central square in Groningen city.

You don't have to bring your own ice-skates, they can be rent (the blue ones). And no worries if you don't know how to skate, there are chairs available to hold on to..
Well, chair or no chair, in my eyes they are all very brave! :)

Ice rink

The ice rink at the Bruges central market square opened in the week we were there.

 In the evening there seemed to be a ghost on skates..can you spot it?  ;)