2018-12-19 51 5
| Wed 19 Dec 2018 in 51,5: 51.5387717, 5.2398972 geohashing.info google osm bing/os kml crox |
Location
The hashpoint for N51 E005 was in a very interesting location this day. It fell right into `voormalig mobilisatiecomplex Spoordonk' an abandoned base for reservist troops that the Dutch government build during the cold war. When tensions after WOII grew, the Dutch government build around hundred bases containing vehicles, guns, tanks and ammunition. On a 24 hour notice, about 100.000 Dutch civilians would be ordered to take up arms, about the same amount of people as were enlisted in the army itself.
When the Soviet state dissolved, these bases became obsolete and were dismantled. For many of them, the land was subsequently sold. In Noord-Brabant (the province the main part of graticule 51 5 is in) many of these bases were `given back to nature' and lie empty. All the barracks, except one, in the Spoordonk base were demolished in 2008. The standing barracks (black box on the map) is now in use as a shelter for sheep (Kempische Heideschapen - Kempish Heath Sheep, for the Ovisists). There is not much left of the base that can be recognized, except for the tank barriers (see photo).
Participants
Expedition
Having just got my drivers licence, this 30 minute drive from my home was a good opportunity to get some experience. The hash was in a very interesting location so i'm very glad to have taken the trip. Luckily the base was open for visitors. I was at the desired coordinate at 12:09 (GMT+1).
Achievements
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Trevil earned the Two to the N achievement
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Trevil earned the Last man standing achievement
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Photos
Proof
Map of the former reservist base
Picture of the hashpoint
