Timberwolves Europe 2013, WWII Footsteps from Aachen to Koln. Part II. 7 May.

[Categories: TRAVEL, PHOTOGRAPHY, EUROPE, WWII]

(See previous posts for what this tour is about.) (As always, click on photos to enlarge or play movie.)

Here are more photos and info for Tue. 7 May.

After leaving Mareike and Peter at Frenzer Muhle (use Google translate) we stop by Indemann viewing platform for a quick look over the countryside:

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Next it is on to the massive brown lignite coal surface mines, which are tearing up former 104th battlefields. The power plants in the previous photo section are NOT nuclear despite the large cooling towers. Because the brown lignite is a low energy-producing form of coal many power plants are located nearby to reduce the shipping costs of the ore.

WWII vets Tom and Bob.

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At the Roer River Timberwolf vet Bob relates the story of the river crossing his unit did here. He said the river was much wider 68 years ago.

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The wartime accounts these guys relate have been priceless.

Forever onward we get to Koln (Cologne) and the Koln Cathedral, a magnificent structure which was largely spared during WWII and the city around it was bombed.

Sue, Millie, and Nancy

Tom, Peggy, Esther, Bill, & Betsey

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Back in Aachen eventually we drop off our excellent guide and local historian Albert, Mayor of Merode, Germany.

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Tomorrow we head for Melsungen, Germany.