Waddensee and Schiermonnikoog

Schiermonnikoog means grey monks isle and is a small island/national park/ nature reserve off the North Dutch coast. The Wadden sea stretches from North Holland across Germany and to Denmark (so I have a way to go) and is a protected marine environment. It includes a string of low lying islands along the coast,of which Schiermonnikoog is one, separated from the mainland (thus far) by mudflats. I am resting on the island and have quietly fallen in love with it. Its gentle and soothing rather than dramatic but its such a nice place to stop for a little while. There are mudflats and huge sandy beaches, waves and birds, cycle trails and almost no cars. I could be tempted to stay longer.
The waddensee dyke runs alongside the mainland protecting the land from the sea. The sheep graze on the dyke and the seaward side feels like the sea (unlike the sea dykes earlier in my voyage).Read more