Monday, July 27, 2009

The Maginot Line - Hackenberg Fortress

The Hackenberg Fortress is the largest of the fortifications along the Maginot Line. The site (on the outskirts of Veckring France) was chosen due in part to the forested ridge that rises 1,125 feet and the proximity to Germany which is only 8 miles or 13 kilometers from the boarder. The Hackenberg Fortress was the largest of the fortresses along the line and was the proto type for the remaining fortress. The French occupied the fortress from 3 Sept 1939 until the French cease fire on 25 June 1940. The Germans maintained control of the fortress until 17 Nov 1944.

More information on Hakenberg Fortress can be found here.


Front of Fortress

Front of Fortress

E.M. is the entrance. We traveled to B9 which is 1 mile
deep within the fortress and underground.


Rail line for transport supplies and men


Outside Block 8


Shell that bombed fortress


Shelled by Americans in 1944


Barracks


Operating Room


Dental Clinic


X-Ray system

Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Maginot Line - Fort Schoenenbourg France

The Maginot Line was an immense fortification between France and Germany. After the First World War, where France suffered horrendous loses in both men and buildings, Andre Maginot designed a fortification system that was in theory going to be an impenetrable fortification between France and Germany.

The photos below show the fortification called Fort Schoenenbourg which is located in the Haguenau region of Alsace, France. The Maginot Line was constructed between 1930 and 1940. Unfortunately we arrived late and were not able to view the interior of the fortification. I was able to tour the inside a few years back and can only say that it was a small city within itself.

More information can be found at:
http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa070601a.htm

http://www.bunkertours.co.uk/the_maginot_line.htm




















Friday, July 24, 2009

Switzerland

Well I thought that Switzerland was beautiful the last time I was there, but now I am convinced it is one step away from heaven. Along the way we stopped at a rest area and where I took these shots. Can you believe that such beauty exists right off a major highway?

We stopped in a little town called Beckenried, Switzerland. Beckenried is right on the crystal clear Lake of Lucerne in the Swiss Alps.





















Thursday, July 23, 2009

Lake Como, Italy

We departed Vicenza Italy for Germany via Switzerland. Along the way we passed Lake Como, Italy and made a detour to view the town and take in some of its flavor. The photos below do not do justice to the town due to photos being taken in the harsh mid day sun. It was a warm pleasant day with abundant sunshine.








This is how the rich and famous arrive. :)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Venice, Italy

To say that Venice was beautiful is an understatement. To meander through the city is an experience worth the long walks. We passed through some narrow streets that barely two people could pass shoulder to shoulder. Bridges lead over the canals both small and large. It is amazing that a city could grow from the Mediterranean Sea. The many mode of transportation is either walking or via boat. The “bus” system was beautiful wooden boats that ferried people around the city. Products were transported via boats as well.

More photos can be seen at www.mikedugganphotography.com under the gallery “travel”. Currently I have limited number of photos loaded due to limited connectivity. I will post all the photos this coming weekend.


Grand Canal

Mural

Masks



Side Canal

Gondola


Gondolier

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Dachau Concentration Camp

You might find some of these pictures to be disturbing.

Dachau concentration camp was the first Nazi concentration camp created in Germany. It is located in the town of Dachau, about 10 miles northwest of Munich, Germany.

More information plaese go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachau_concentration_camp




Fence Line with Watch Tower


Head quarters building


Ovens



Gas Chamber



Crematorium



Main Entrance




Thursday, July 16, 2009

Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is located in Southeast Germany in the Bavaria region along the Danube and Regen rivers.