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