The Meinweg is one of the few places in the Netherlands where the
rare adder still lives. On a sunny day in early spring, you may
stumble upon a snake warming up on a sandy trail after hibernation.
Toward the German border, the landscape undulates into heathy
moorland speckled with ponds, pines and birch trees. It's an area
of a stunning beauty in all seasons and though you are near one of
Europe's most densely populated and highly industrialized areas,
the Ruhr region, you are likely to experience a strong sense of
isolation. But this paradise for those in search of silence will
soon be lost, as the rumbling monster of the Iron Rhine is about to
awaken.
The Iron Rhine is a 19th century rail connection between the
Belgian port of Antwerp and the industrial heart of Germany. The
line cuts right through the Meinweg and has been rusting away for
many years. Restoring the ancient railway is a simple and cheap
alternative for the ever-increasing number of heavy lorries,
congesting the roads between Antwerp and Germany. So the
Netherlands and Belgium have reached agreement on reviving the old
track. There was much opposition in the Netherlands, but in the
United States of Europe policy on freight transportation focuses on
encouraging transport by rail and over water.
Within a few years, dozens of heavy transports will roar through
the forests of the Meinweg each day. So, cherish the silence and
solitudes of this national park while you still can. It's a 10 km
hike. Plan on half a day here enjoying nature and cachehunting.
Park your car on the bank of the Iron Rhine at N 51°09.616'
E006°06.043' and walk to N 51°10.081' E006°06.133'.
Then navigate to N 51°10.879' E006°07.360', where you'll find a
three-digit number. You'll probably see the numbered object before
you notice the trail leading towards it, so follow the main track a
little further. The GeoWolf cache is located at:
N 51°10.(number - 6)
E006°08.(number - 76)
Walk to N 51°10.886' E006°07.611' and home in to the cache from
there. The cache is buried close to a familiar object, but you
don't have to dig.
Afterwards, you can navigate straight back to your car or you
may consider to visit another beautiful place: the valley of the
Roode Beek (N 51°08.926' E006°09.285'). It's near the track of the
Iron Rhine and afterwards you can follow the railway back to the
parking lot.
Happy hunting!
GeoWolf & Autoresto