AOK4 Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 I am touring in the Ypres area for the moment and we decided to visit Lone Tree Cemetery (near Spanbroekmolen Crater). You have to go through a meadow to reach the cemtery. No problem, so we thought until we spotted a bull between the cows, looking ferociously. We decided to make a tactical retreat, which was executed without any losses... Is there another way to visit the cemetery? What about the farmer putting a bull there in the meadow, making a visit to the cemetery somewhat risky? Doesn't the CWGC make some kind of agreement with the farmers so that visitors can safely visit such cemteries? Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeldr Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 Jan, What sort of bull was it; beef or dairy? As a general rule you can trust a beef bull, but not a dairy one. However, like most rules there are one or two exceptions Mind how you go Michael D. R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john w. Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 I did the same at Easter...was on the road to Kemmel.. saw the sign for Spanbroekmolen turned left and parked with a cemetery below me (dont remember the name) Walked up the meadow like you did I think and we then met by two gates one saying Private and I guessed the other was the right way round. Followed that past the ruined pill box in the corner and came out on to a road, went left and arrived at the entrance to the crater. On my right down the hill and near the farm was the Lone Tree Cemetery. That road that I came out on I do believe also runs on to the same road (Kemmel) but more towards Kemmel.. and if my memory serves me right I did see a sign for the cemetery. My thought was that I had actually walked that far to get to the entrance when all I needed to do was go on a bit further and parked almost outside.. but the exercise did me good!! Hope the above is ok I can picture it in my mind and know exactly what you are after... John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain mchenry Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 Jan, I have just returned from Ypres and had the same problem as you with Lone Tree cemetary, and also last year. To my knowledge there is no other way in. Last year whilst visiting the bull came over to check us out , as I was ready to run for it, one of the girls with us, a farmers daughter, just clapped her hands and shouted at the bull!! It didn't bother us any more. I don't know of any other way to visit the cemetary. I have also heard from a number of sources that the farmer is quite an unfriendly chap. He was caught a few years ago trying to drain the water from the Spanbroekmolen crater in order to water his animals. He was given a warning by the local Police. Iain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 The only route to this cemetery is via the "path" across this field from the road - no back route exists. The bull seems pretty tame to me; I have 1-3 coaches a week, every week visiting this site, and people have no problems accessing the cemetery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Birch Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 The subject of bulls and trespassing reminded me of a sign I saw once in the Lake District - no need for "No Trespassing" nor "Beware of the Bull", just a simple message saying:- "If you think you can run across this field in 45 seconds, forget it - the bull can do it in 30!" Maybe Belgium bulls are slower, or could it be that if he is with a herd of cows he will have other things on his mind? Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egbert Posted 31 May , 2003 Share Posted 31 May , 2003 Jan, I told you earlier: you need to get acquainted with a nice looking Flemish farmers girl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now