The cycle route in Belgium has more number signs and more benches and tables for picnic lunches. We came across two more air crash sites today. The first one was a British plane crashed in 1943 with only one survivor.Very moving to see. The second one was a German Messerschmidt, which had two majors on board. It crashed in January 1940, which was very early in the war. The information sign was written in Flemish, so not quite sure of the details, but it seems that it was one of the first attacks against the allies before the major onslaught began. The fact that it had two majors on board is a puzzle. Perhaps there was something more to the story.
Made our way through Maastricht on our way to Valkenburg which is a quaint little town east of Maastricht. We saw a limestone cave on the way which may be an old wine cellar. It is not visible from the road and only just visible from the cycle path and it looks pretty ancient. I wondered if it may be the escape tunnel from the big castle further on.
Valkenburg is the site of Hollands highest castle which we are going to explore tomorrow. We are staying at Le Bistro pictured above.
ROSTEREN TO VALKENBURG
ReplyDeleteHi Ash & Les,
Another god day ..a bit rainy by the look of it but good cycling weather more like "gutti" hey ! I am very interested in your crash sites . This one looked like stainless steel impression very shiny! They are both quite artistic but tradgic at the same time. I think I mentioned I have just read two lengthy books one on WWII and another on WWI. The WWI book made a deep impression on me . The horror of the trenches were beyond imagining. I wonder if you will cycle passed any of the WWI cemetaries in Belgium. Poor little belgium became a quagmire of artillery shell craters. I am currently reading Anthony Beevors book on D Day.
That is a great picture of a swan today and the lock.Just love the picturesque canals you cycle along and the quaint towns and cafe'. Lots of coffee stops I bet !? The cellar / tunnel looks ancient.
The Le Bistro looks really cosy , great phot with the rain on the street and neon signd reflected .
Who is the budding photographer?
Hope you enjoy the castel tomorrow looking forward to hearing all about it.
Take care
Love
Neil
Hi Ash & Les.
ReplyDeleteI have now set up a spreadsheet with your town names and have also got Google Earth running to follow your route. Google Earth has really brought it to life I can see the rivers and canals and the country borders as you cross them.
We had a lovely evening last night with Graham and Jane, Leo and Caroline at Little Italy. We all talked about you guys and your great adventure .
Ride carefully and safely.
Love
Neil