On our way to Groningen, we drove over Flevoland, the newest part of Holland, a series of four “polders” reclaimed from the sea, one at a time, about a decade apart, from the 1930s though the 1960s. Most of the road crosses the protective dike that defines the new territory. On our left, we could see the IJsselmeer, filled with busy shipping, and on our right, low-lying parklands and bird sanctuaries.
Arjan decided to visit the town of Urk, a former island, now turned into a shipping port and resort town. After walking through the rather touristy part of town to the lighthouse at the end, we found a seaside cafe, where we sat and enjoyed a leisurely lunch while watching old sailing ships ply by and children splashing in the waters closer to shore.
Old Fishing Port at Urk
Urk Lighthouse on the IJsselmeer
Resort Atmosphere at Urk
Photos © 2014 P.J. Gardner. All rights reserved.