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The Caesarsboom is an old yew tree (also known as poison tree) in the town of Lo in the Belgian Westhoek region. The tree is one of Lo's typical symbols and is located next to the medieval Westpoort gate. The name refers to a legend about Julius Caesar, who is said to have taken a nap under the tree in 55 BC on his way to Britain and tied his horse to it. The story goes back to the historian Jean-Baptiste Gramaye, who was the first to allow Caesar to pass through Lo in 1612. In reality, the Caesarsboom is approximately 250 years old. A painting from the late 18th century depicts its predecessor in full maturity. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarsboom

Well-preserved old city gate

An interesting anecdote concerns the battles around the pond during the war. Soldiers used the pond as a natural barrier and shelter. There are stories of soldiers wading through the water at night to reach enemy lines, which gave the pond strategic significance.

There are a total of four lookout towers in the Blankaart. This one here is the highest: 10m. It overlooks the reed marshes and the wet hay fields. The inspiration for the design of the viewpoints comes from the reed marshes. Just as the bittern blends with its tall figure into the reeds, the towers blend into the open space of the Blankaart, while at the same time they are beacons in the landscape. The rising walls with sloping elements, openings and green plexiglass refer to the reed collars in which birds can hide and which still have a certain transparency. Source: https://pers.vlm.be/nieuwe-uitkijktorens-in-natuurgebied-de-blankaart

From this lookout tower you have a beautiful view of the De Blankaart nature reserve. When the weather is clear you can enjoy beautiful panoramas. Certainly do!

A forest where, until the 1700s, gallows literally stood ready for the convicts. During the First World War, the woods, unlike other forest areas, were spared because they formed a resting area for British soldiers. There was a barrack where Anglican worship services were held, and there was a cinema room. A nearby farm, the present Hospitaalhoeve, served as a hospital. The Plank Road led to the center of Vlamertinge and the soldiers went to the front along this road. At the edge of the forest is the Hagle Dump Cemetery. The British gave it the name “Dirty Bucket Camp” referring to the inn de Vuile Seule ("seule" is West Flemish for bucket).

The Westpoort is the only remaining remnant of the old city walls of Lo. She was standing in front of the ramparts, on the inside of the city moat. In front of it was a wooden drawbridge. The ramparts had four entrance gates, but were demolished in 1581-1582. The gate has a turret on either side.

At the beginning of the 14th century, Ypres was a very prosperous and densely populated city. Two ponds were constructed for water supply: one in Dikkebus and one in Zillebeke, and these ponds still provide Ypres with drinking water today. The 28-hectare Zillebeke Pond is fed by the Zillebeek stream. On the western bank lies the pumping and treatment plant, which produces approximately four to five thousand cubic meters of drinking water daily. The pond is surrounded by a beautiful double row of trees. Fishing is permitted with a special permit. The pond is a valuable natural feature. The large fields of water lilies are particularly picturesque. A colony of grebes breeds there, but grey herons, coots, moorhens, mallards, and sandpipers also call the pond home. During the migration season, the pond is frequently visited by numerous bird species. You can cycle and walk around the pond. Source: knooppunter.com/zillebekevijver