Ameland II

For the second time since 2023, we were drawn to the island of Ameland for our summer vacation, in a vacation home right on the edge of a nature reserve.

Off to Ameland

Summer vacation – finally! After we had such a great experience last year with our trip to the Netherlands and especially the few days on the island of Ameland at the end, it was clear that we definitely wanted to go there again. Above all, we had noticed how dog-friendly the island is. So this time we simply took Feli, our collie lady, with us instead of putting her up with friends or in a kennel.

Our first stop was a vacation home in Den Oever, a small town right on the IJsselmeer. An artist family lives there and has their studio on the upper floor of the huge house, while the exhibition and several small vacation apartments are located on the first floor. The three days there were just right to “arrive” on vacation and offered the first opportunities for walks by the sea. We were also able to sculpt with clay in the studio, where we created some small works of art.

Then we moved on and took the ferry over to Ameland. This time we had booked a whole week on the island. After our experiences last year, we still had a few things on our list for this vacation that we really wanted to experience.

And so, on the second day, we set off on a scenic flight over Ameland in glorious sunshine. It was a great experience to see the whole island from the air, the towns, the sea and the beaches we had already visited. The main aim was of course to spend as much time as possible on the beach and in the sea. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very warm in mid-July at just 20 degrees. Nevertheless, we were able to go swimming a few times in the first few days thanks to the sunshine. But in the second half of the week the clouds and wind came, so we preferred the couch and a book when it was only 15 degrees.

The Nature Reserve

The vacation home in Hollum was right on the edge of a large nature reserve. This was of course the perfect setting for long walks with Feli, even if she always had to be kept on a lead because of the many animals that were out and about. A warm sweater and rain jacket were the only things that helped against the cold wind and sea spray. The camera and telephoto lens were always with us.

Birds, in particular, come in all colors and sizes. The most striking are the geese, which arrive in flocks, especially in the morning, chattering loudly, sit down in the water and leave again noisily when you get too close. As these patterns were often repeated, I soon found an opportunity to photograph a flock of geese taking off against the backdrop of the lighthouse, which worked out perfectly.

In addition to the geese, there are also ravens, herons, large birds of prey and many small songbirds that frolic in the water, in the tall grass and between the many bushes. There is also a herd of goats and a group of Icelandic ponies that don’t seem to mind the harsh climate.

Just like last year, the island bid us farewell with a fantastically colorful sunset. And even if we have other destinations lined up for 2025, we’ll definitely be back.

The Results

Many atmospheric pictures were taken during the many walks through the nature reserve. The geese taking off in front of the lighthouse are also the August photo in the 2025 calendar.