Engelsmanplaat in the Wadden Sea by Ton Drijfhamer

About "Engelsmanplaat in the Wadden Sea"

by Ton Drijfhamer

About the artwork

On the warm Sunday evening of 25 June 2023, the former rescue boat of the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM), the "Gebroeders Luden" departed from Lauwersoog towards the Engelsmanplaat in the Wadden Sea. On board were nine photographers of which I was one.
The outward journey was already beautiful and we were occasionally surrounded by seals, but once on the vast sandbank, it was completely enjoyable.
Endless views and beautiful light from the sun that kept setting.
Two topics took centre stage, actually three.
1. The mudflats post of the Forestry Commission; named Kalkman
2. The Cape, a wooden orientation beacon for shipping.
3. The interplay of lines of sand and water

For more than an hour, we were able to indulge in these subjects with the camera. An hour that flew by!

This photo focuses on the interplay of lines, with mudflat outpost De Kalkman in the distance. The sun is almost behind the horizon, sprinkling the last light over the shiny mud. That mud is teeming with crabs and other creatures whose names I don't know.

What a great experience to be able to photograph here once. Well after sunset we were called back on board and after a short trip up to my waist in the water, I climbed on board, accompanied by two curious seals watching from about 5 metres away.
Around 23:30, we moored again in Lauwersoog harbour.

I am sure I will repeat this trip again. I'm not done on the Englishman Plate yet.