Wadden Sea, Engelsmanplaat by Ton Drijfhamer

About "Wadden Sea, Engelsmanplaat"

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 shows De Kaap.
Similar structures, with the same function, have stood here since the 16th century. Once in a while, they have to yield to the natural elements, sun, wind and water. The current cape has stood there since 2007, so it has held up for about 16 years.

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 aboard, 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.