To Blegny Belgium

It was made apparent to us today that the summer season is over, both by the weather and the couple of tourist sites we wanted to visit being closed.

After a peaceful nights sleep in Soest and a quick coffee we were on the road again. Not far from here was the Mohne Reservoir. When the dam was completed in 1912, it was the largest in the world. It became a target by the British forces in May 1943 (The Dambusters) to destroy the electrical installations and thus affect the power supply to the war industry. Unfortunately it also resulted in 1,500 plus lives being lost, many were foreign forced labourers held in camps downriver. It took 7,000 men to repair the wall which done by September 1943! 

From here we made our way 100km to Solingen, also known as the ‘City of Blades’, as it is renown for its manufacturing in swords, knives, scissors and razors. We had planned to visit an Industrial Heritage Museum. But it was not to be as it was closed today. Whilst we were here the town’s sirens started ringing and the mobile phone had an alert signal going. It was quite disconcerting. Fortunately the alert message said it was just a nation wide test… phew! Brought back memories of when we were at school and they would do a mock fire drill. 

So once again we consulted our maps and apps to figure out where to from here.

We decided on a coal mine museum in Blegny in Belgium, 148km away.

But before we left Germany, Mark needed to stock up on his favourite beer, Augustiner Hells. We found a getranke store. They encouraged you to buy at least 2 crates for the  safety of your back… hehe.We successfully completed our mission (31 x 500ml bottle @€45).

Then we took the motorways to our destination, arriving around 3pm, to find that the mine is only open on weekends since the 9th September. Luckily they allow 24hrs stays and provide a free service point. So we settle in and do a bit more research and chores to pass the afternoon. When the rain has passed we were able to stroll around the complex which had a few information panels.

279km today… getting closer to France .

Hameln to Soest Germany

We had a busy day visiting several towns along our journey south through Germany. It was a wet  and miserable morning as we left Celle at about 7:30. It took us just over an hour to drive 100km to Hameln. We paid €2.50 for parking and went to explore the historic centre. The town is best known for the tale of the Pied Piper who played his magic flute to make all the rats follow him out of the town. We found emblems in the pavement and a statue of him  but that was about all. 

Of course we popped into the churches. 

The Germans love their ice cream… but not allowed in the church.

We also admired the buildings as we strolled through the street. 

Then we continued on, this time 38km to Lemgo. We had free parking just next to the centre. 

Being spared during WWII, the town had many exceptional buildings. 

We hunkered down in the church when a storm came through. 

Then we went to the museum, which was once the mayor’s house who had started the witch hunt during the 1500’s. There were a few torture implements that would have been used on suspected witches to make them confess, and once they had, they were burnt at the stake! 

We enjoyed a currywurst from one of the market stalls. 

Then set off once again. Due to the rain we had to change our plans of going to see a huge statue and some rocks. Instead we drove another 82km to Soest. Once again we park for free next to the city centre and ventured in. This town had a variety of architectural styles in its buildings. We were astonished at the 2 huge churches side by side. As well as the Town Hall next to them. 

There was a small lake and gardens. A water channel also ran through a part of the town where old mill houses and tanneries could be found. 
We were wowed by the magnificent stainglassed windows in the Wiesenkirche. 

On our way back to Bluey we popped into the Brauhaus Zwiebel (onion brewery/pub). It had a great traditional atmosphere and the beer was good. I enjoyed my goulash but Mark’s pineapple schnitzel wasn’t up to standard (but edible). Time to waddle back and settle in for the night.

256km today which went a bit faster on the motorways with Bluey blowing cobwebs off at 120kmph