Lauwersmeer #3: Sluices Land-side

Posted by Illuci (Hurdegaryp, Netherlands) on 31 January 2008 in Landscape & Rural.

The sluices of eloquence are open
(is said when during banquets and dinners speeches and toasts with kind words can be held)

These sluices are only for letting water out of Friesland into the North Sea (via the Wadden Sea, a small part of sea between the row of the Wadden Islands and the shore). Here the water streams full force because of the very rainy weeks before. You see the landside (Southern side).

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Comments (10)

e. from New York, NY, United States

Wow, the water looks very... unhappy.

31 Jan 2008 1:46am

@e.: No, e. it's dancing for happiness to go through the sluices into the wide sea :) Thanks for your comment!

Ginnie from Atlanta, United States

I love these Dutch quotes you are giving to us, Erik, alongside your photos. I feel like I'm learning so much. Ontzettend bedankt!!

31 Jan 2008 3:01am

@Ginnie: My pleasure, Ginnie, I like to make up for the average photo quality I can reach with my old camera :)

Steven from Montreal, Canada

I am fascinated by your network of sluices. They must serve as a constant reminder of the power of mother nature.

31 Jan 2008 4:41am

@Steven: Yes, we Dutch live constant with this awareness. We pay special taxes, apart from the regular taxes, to maintain these works. Now plans are made to improve all dykes considering the climate changes.

Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada

Hey, I've never seen anything like it, good catch :)

31 Jan 2008 4:57am

@Lorraine: Thanks, Lorraine, I'm glad to have it shared with you!

Wolfgang Prigge from Canada

Wie sagt man in Friesland? Gott hat die Welt geschaffen, aber die Küste haben die Friesen gemacht!

31 Jan 2008 9:39am

@Wolfgang Prigge: LOL, yes, the Friesians are very chauvinistic! In the early Middle Ages they indeed inhabited the whole Dutch coast!

the lightwriter from oosterwolde, Netherlands

nice curves from the sluice and the waves.
another one: "The sluices from heaven opened their doors"
It started raining cats & dogs.

31 Jan 2008 1:49pm

@the lightwriter: Thanks Peter! Next sluices picture I'll use this one!

Porcsin from Debrecen, Hungary

Nice roaring water! Good one!

31 Jan 2008 5:19pm

e. from New York, NY, United States

Creative theory on the sandals. There's actually a very simple explanation for why one is more worn than the other, and since you did try to guess, I'll tell you. She really likes those sandals, so she bought multiple pairs. The left one broke, so she just took the left sandal from a new pair she had as backup. :)

31 Jan 2008 6:07pm

@e.: There goes my theory! Thanks for explaining the true situation, the truth is often more difficult to figure out than what first comes up in mind :).

Rebecca from Leicester, United Kingdom

Just a brief stop-by to say hi, and WOW, truly a unique and first-class capture, Erik. Both your image and text are nothing less than outstanding. Honestly. May I say thank you so much too for your very warm, kind and encouraging thoughts and words at my blog the other day. Your kindness and sincere eloquence there have actually been a great blessing to me. Heartfelt thank you again, Erik.

31 Jan 2008 6:23pm

@Rebecca: These words are too much for my well-intended encouragements, Rebecca! It were only shoulder-pats and a handshake, but maybe the world lacks these little things too much today, and then you are right.

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

The power of the waters puts the fear in my heart, but then I think of the Dutch who managed so courageously to master the waters and harness them to their needs! It is a beautiful example of Man mastering Nature!

1 Feb 2008 11:59pm

@Japanalia: Thanks, Gabriela, The Dutch had also good relations with the Japanese when Dutch water engineers advised the Japanese how to construct water managing systems to keep polders dry. We are very proud of it considering the importance of the Japanese empire and culture in that time (about 75 years ago). Unfortunately I can't remember names, it's a weak point of mine and has to do with aging I think.

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