Ed in Europe
Part 4 - Crawling in Dutch Tunnels
We're still in The Netherlands at the town of Maastricht, squeezed between Germany and Belgium. This has put it in the way of many European armies over the centuries.
200+yrs ago the towns-people hand-dug fortifications in earthen bunkers to resist Napoleon's armies. Since then, both German and French invasions caused them to expand the defenses until there are now several miles of bunkers and connecting tunnels!
Our teams of 2 were sent out separately to wander through the underground maze with only small floor-markers to guide us. ...Yikes!
Over the course of a couple hours, we had to look for wall signs giving us various military-intelligence puzzles/riddles to solve. The first 2/3rds of the walk was by flashlight alone, the last part by electric lights (above ...though they were a not as bright as they are in that picture!).
That afternoon, we went a little stir-crazy trying to find our way through the next Challenge: a Dutch Hedge-Maze (aerial view, below).
200+yrs ago the towns-people hand-dug fortifications in earthen bunkers to resist Napoleon's armies. Since then, both German and French invasions caused them to expand the defenses until there are now several miles of bunkers and connecting tunnels!
Our teams of 2 were sent out separately to wander through the underground maze with only small floor-markers to guide us. ...Yikes!
Over the course of a couple hours, we had to look for wall signs giving us various military-intelligence puzzles/riddles to solve. The first 2/3rds of the walk was by flashlight alone, the last part by electric lights (above ...though they were a not as bright as they are in that picture!).
Hans in a Maastricht Tunnel
Overcoming any latent claustrophobia, Hans and I managed to solve all the challenges correctly, earning each of us a "medal."
Outside the Tunnels-Battlements, many of us gathered for a group photo--
The fastest time was about 20 min, some never did get out and had to be "rescued"! (FYI - Both Hans & I got through it ...eventually...)
At least I had some great sausages to eat that day!
Before leaving Maastricht, we learned that it is Andre Rieu's home-town.
He's the Dutch Violinist-Conductor you see a lot on American Public TV.
Here is Hans and our youngest group-member, Stephanie, with Andre.
She and her Mom, from New York City, were teamed together on our Competitour.
At least I had some great sausages to eat that day!
He's the Dutch Violinist-Conductor you see a lot on American Public TV.
Here is Hans and our youngest group-member, Stephanie, with Andre.
She and her Mom, from New York City, were teamed together on our Competitour.
...Next Challenge: Climbing a 1300+ ft cliff in Switzerland!
--Ed
No comments:
Post a Comment