Strolling

Until 2018, the entire production process of cement took place in the ENCI quarry in St. Pietersberg in Maastricht: the extraction of limestone in opencast mining, the production of the semi-finished clinker and finally the grinding of this clinker into cement.  The ENCI quarry was a large limestone quarry of 150 hectares, which was closed for marl extraction on 1 July 2018.  
The nature reserve around the Sint-Pietersberg is protected and for good reason: the 171 meter high 'mountain' is home to beautiful nature such as limestone formations, caves and special flora and fauna.

To help celebrating our birthdays, the boy,  the girl and the Poodle came for the weekend.  I felt like going for a walk on the Pietersberg and looking at the changes since we were last there about 20 years ago. Major changes. The view from the viewpoint over the quarry was spectacular. The walking paths through the nature reserve were busy, but no different than any other city park.  The boy liked to reminisce and I must admit that I was a bit homesick for living in the city, although I realize that I enjoy the nature around our village every day.
We spent a long time on the terrace with a view over Maastricht.