Oct 21 (retro)

In searching through my photos, I found evidence of more adventures, and learning moments.

look hard for the climbers!

Along the Meuse, a spectacular rock formation, with climbers enjoying the spectacular setting. Reminds me of when I was an avid climber, always looking for such challenges.

Along the Meuse, an ancient monestery (11th century) at Mont-devant-Sassey. The bells were cast in the local village, in a foundry that made thousands of bells for the local area. The church is remarkably restored and maintained.

A visit to Hackenberg fortress, the first of the Maginot defenses built after the first World War, to protect France from the continuing threats from Germany. The forts DID protect France: none was captured by fire by Germany during the second World War. However, the forts did not prevent Germany from conquering France- they went around the defenses, overran the French, Belgian and British armies in Belgium and northern France, and this caused the forts to surrender after France surrendered. A city underground, this fort was actually a collection of defences, linked by underground railway. An amazing experience to visit today.

main entry point for supplies for the Hackenberg fortress

part of the kilometers-long tunnel and rail system inside the fortress

part of the ammunition storage- the rail system on the roof was used throughout the fortress to transfer the tons of munitions

a room used for training

officers quarters- the men were much closer together!

view from an observation cupola the mushroom-like things are the gun turrets, up to 130mm, which could fire to the horizon visible