Here comes the promised report from our trip...
After a short journey of about 400 kilometers we meet on Friday evening near the Dutch-Belgian border. While rolling onto the small nature campground, Frederique and Robert have already lit the campfire. What a great welcome! We eat something and chat a little, then we go to bed early. Tomorrow we want to get up early and make a few miles...
Basecamp 1
On the tracks of Operation Market Garden is our keyword for the next two days. Market Garden was the code name for an air-ground operation of the Allied Forces in WW2, which took place in September 1944. The goal at the time was to bypass the Westwall and make a rapid push to bring a quick liberation. During the gigantic airborne operation Market, nearly 40,000 paratroopers were dropped into various landing zones. Tank units pushed from the south as part of Operation Garden. This sub-operation began at Joe's Bridge. This bridge was virtually the springboard for the ground offensive.
At Joe´s Bridge
And so, after a short breakfast the next morning, we drive to the starting point of our tour at Joe's Bridge. After a stop with a look at the information boards, we are off. Robert leads us along small roads and dirt paths that wind through the beautiful landscape. Here and there we take short breaks and photo stops.
Nice tracks
Around noon we arrive at a beautiful place with a nice restaurant, which we already know from a previous tour. Well strengthened we go on. On the way there are always information boards or memorials that remind us of what happened here during WW2. In the early afternoon we reach the town of Overloon.
Memorials along the way
In WW2, Overloon was completely destroyed during one of the biggest tank battles. After the war, a war and resistance museum was built here. We have a look at it together. Numerous exhibits can be seen here. It is exciting and makes at the same time thoughtful.
At Overloon Museum
Shortly afterwards we reach our destination for today. A small nature campsite nearby. We end the evening with a barbecue, good conversations and a campfire. Even the pattering rain cannot spoil our fun.
Basecamp 2
On the last day of our trip, we have a late breakfast and relax a bit. Today there is still a small trip section on the program. We explore again many great roads and paths, enjoy the nature and the beautiful weather and finally reach Arnhem. More precisely, the Bridge of Arnhem. This bridge was a key point of war in 1944 during the Battle of Arnhem. Some of you may be familiar with the movie "A Bridge Too Far".
This is where our fantastic tour ends. It was a great time and the combination of overlanding and history really exciting and interesting. Thanks to Robert who worked out the route together with Frederique. Back home safe and sound, we are already looking forward to more nice trips together.