Chilly's Journal - Stage 10

Chilly's Journal

Author:ChillytheBunitt

MINETT TRAIL MINETT TRAIL

Year:2023

Origin: Minett Trail

The Minett Trail was at first just an idea. The "Minett UNESCO Biosphere" wanted a regional trail connecting it's cities, hubs, historical and natural sites.

Work for this trail started in 2017

Walk through former opencast mines and discover the industrial past! Witness how nature has reclaimed its former territory!

The Minett Trail is a 90km long trail that expands its wings all across the south of Luxembourg. Due to its enormous length the trail is split into 10 stages which can be explored individually.

More info: https://www.minetttrail.lu/

The stages are rated with a difficulty. Are we in a video game now? If so GAME ON

Easy = great for beginners and families.

Medium = great for occasional hikers and it includes narrow pathways and stairs.

Hard = only sporty hikers or people with good physical fitness should tackle these routes.

Sidenote: Unfortunately, not all the stages are barrier-free.

POW

Promotion and education of the southern region in Luxembourg.

Minett Trail: Bergem/Beim NëssertBettembourg

Distance: 11,69 km

Duration: 3:05 h

Difficulty: medium

Highlights:

Nature reserve "Beetebuerger Bësch", Centre Culturel "Beim Nëssert" and Parc Merveilleux.

On this last stage of the Minett Trail, I return to Bergem and I can tell you that getting there from Pétange is a sport in itself, as I am a bunny living in Pétange. Good planning is the key to this stage.

START! Adventures wait for no one

I want to start this stage at Noertzange Gare, but I'm unlucky and miss the bus by an inch, meaning I have to hop all the way to the start of the stage.

30Minutes later....

Good news, I'm finally at the start of this stage.

I walk around town and I am thrilled to see what surprises await me here. The small park is nice and calming, not to mention there is a bench for me to sit on.

A stinky smell creeps into my nose. Maybe a farmer has lef the animals out to enjoy themselves outside.

As I step closer to the stench, my eyes pop wide open.

Horses!

Hello! How are you, my friend?

Do you want to race against me?

Want to play something together?

Homepage: Les Ecuries

Chilly's note: This building is a fantastic stable for horses. There are lots of activities for the horses to enjoy. There is a snack bar for the horse's owner/rider to enjoy. The bad news: you need a monthly membership to get access to all the facilities and even the snack bar....

(Why does everything have to cost money?)

Fun fact:

Did you know that odours become stronger when exposed to heat due to molecular movement and bacteria?

Molecules: The poop is a solid, which means it contains molecules that stick together tightly. However, when exposed to heat, they turn into a liquid-like state, and further exposure to heat, such as on a hot summer day, forces the liquid-like droppings to evaporate into gas molecules.

Bacteria: Heat makes odour-causing bacteria grow faster, and yes, even tiny bacteria fart and spread gases until they reach our noses.

(A smelly matter isn't it?)

Solid Liquid Gas

The path continues through a thin forest filled with horse poop. It stinks badly.

There, the fields spread out before us like an ocean.

Chilly's note: Don't forget the sunscreen, there are no places to get some shade.

I love the transition from field to forest. The sign tells me to turn right, but as the sun is so strong today I decide to take another break.

I'm not sure what that's supposed to be?

The forest is great, gentle but quiet and a real pleasure to walk in. I didn't know that there was a surprise waiting for me at the end of the path.

Oh no! You see this strange construction. This is my worst nightmare. There must be a hunter around here somewhere. I should be careful.

Fun fact:

Quick let's hide! A raised hide is no joke. Hunters have to make sure that the number of animals in a forest is kept in check. In other words: If there are too many wild boar, deer or foxes in an area, they can disturb the delicate ecosystem and even damage the forest due to their large populations.

There is a fishing lodge, and would you believe, I have always dreamed of having one. It's the perfect size for adventurers and reminds me of the old kung fu movies I used to watch.

Fun fact:

Did you know that mosquitoes love water. In fact, different types of mosquito prefer different types of water.

Permanent water mosquitoes: prefer clean water and lay their eggs near edge of lakes or ponds. Floodwater mosquitoes: prefer to lay their eggs in moist soil or in containers filled with rainwater.

I enjoy this photo. Look at the lighting! Anyone who says that a forest is bland and ugly is wrong.

The path leads me to the light part of the forest. I know this because the sign tells me so. But there is a weird note underneath it.

Weird note indeed. Let's read it.

POW

...the Minett Trail will be...

...rerouted in 3,4km. Continue to follow the Minett Trail signs. Excuse me! Why is there a construction site here?

Chilly's note: My fur bristles at this news. I'm not sure whether to continue or not, but I decide to trust the sign and follow the Minett Trail path with a bitter feeling.

Here we go!!!

You know what I always think of when I see a bridge in the forest. How did they ever manage to build it?

Fun fact:

The path also reminds me of a mountain bike trail. I bet real experts can ride through this area with ease.

Bridges are made from many different materials. The most common are steel and concrete, but did you know that bridges can also be made of wood and glass? China has a famous bridge in XIANJU, the Ruyi Bridge, which I think is a great attraction to experience first hand.

Time for a break. My poor paws are starting to hurt and I'm hungry. I am looking forward to my sandwich.

Back on the way!

I walk through the narrow, dark forest. The question is where I will arrive.

A man on a bicycle comes past me. He seems very focused on his ride as he doesn't even say hello to me....

Carefully, I run to the other side, hoping not to be run over by an angry car driver.

A new nature reserve comes into view. It is called Beetebuerger Bësch.

Not a very creative name. But it does the job. I'm just used to strange names by now.

These two pictures are connected. I bet you're wondering how. Some little detectives might already sniff out an idea.

In short:

I'm playing on the fallen tree. I'm bragging about my balancing skills. I slip. I fall. I injure my paw.

Now I have to be carried the rest of the way.

There are strange animal sounds. I think they are birds. I'm not sure, but that's my best guess.

I don't know why, but I'm a total fan of bridges with water underneath. It attracts me like sugar candy.

The scenery is calming and the forest provides a good shelter from the sun.

But from what I can see there, it seems like there are fewer trees growing up ahead, which means an open field can't be far.

The forest continues to thin out and I come across a small crossing that leads to a nice path.

Yes! I'm right. Here is a huge open field that will lead us to Bettembourg. I have to say, though, that this wheat-filled view reminds me of clouds.

The bench is a welcomed guest. My paws kind of burn from the hot asphalt.

Yes, my paw works again, it seems as I have overreacted a bit.

The asphalt is much darker now. Since when can asphalt change colour?

Funny, this road is merciless and the sun is beating down on us like a hammer of justice. I need another break. It's hot and I want to eat my second sandwich.

I'm not sure why the nature reserve sign is facing in this direction, but there's a path-like track behind the bush. Does it start there? Hihi, I have no idea.

My eyes are fixed on something ahead.

What's this?

Let's explore like real adventurers.

Here we are a little sneak preview of Bettembourg.

This place is a real saver. We buy fresh water and a sugary juice. I have a juice that tastes like red melon, I love it so much.

Yes, you can find this river in the town itself. I love it when nature mixes with urban landscapes, it just has something.

Look at that! This train is made for me! Let's ride it together!!!

The path leads past a restaurant and a parking lot. And at this moment it's hard to imagine that I'll soon be at the train station.

This path is the best so far. The reason is quite simple. The left side is for cars and the right for people. It's also a play zone and cars have to pass through the barrier to get past here, which makes it really safe and a great place for children to play.

Train tracks! There are train tracks!!!

I think I can see the train station from here too, but it's really hard to see anything.

Yes! This looks like a train station. SO we have arrived!

5 minutes later...

I was already here....

Wait a moment!

What am I missing???

Another 10 minutes later...

Aha, I figured out the code.

But I was there too...

I forgot the Beetebuerger Park. I'm a dummy.

That's going to be my final stop!

The path is a bit uphill, but I'm glad I can explore a bit more of Bettembourg.

In this chair I feel like the new king of Bettembourg.

"Fair Trade" is a partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect. Especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America, it offers producers production conditions that allow them to live decently from the fruits of their labour. Fair Trade also seeks to inform the public about the often unfair conditions under which producers in these countries are paid.

The WeltButtek works with Fair Trade and offers its customers a selection of coffee, tea, chocolates, handicrafts and clothing.

More info: Weltbuttek Bettembourg

As I walk along the path, I come across many cars and a bridge. But there is no sign of a park yet....

Good news! I have found the entrance to the Park Merveilleux and there is a bus stop right in front of the main entrance. There is also plenty of parking if you want to drive to the park.

Conclusion: Minett Trail: Bergem/Beim Nëssert - Bettembourg

This section of the Minett Trail is perfect for a weekend activity with the family. Especially those who are used to walking will find it easy. For those like me, it will leave you with sore feet and a good excuse for a siesta.

Additional Info:

Time: It took me around 5 hours to complete. My time deviates from the average 3 hours and 5 minutes, due to my photos and breaks. (I always exclude my arrival and departure on public transport)

Travel with Public Transport: Train (Noertzange Gare) and Bus (611). The bus only goes once an hour!

Cultural: Satisfying, it offers mostly nature reserves, but the town of Bettembourg has a lot to offer. The most famous are the Parc Merveilleux and the Castle of Bettembourg (1733), located in the centre of the town. Path: Good, it's easy to walk and it is spacious.

Accessibility:

Homepage: Parc Merveilleux