even when the storm pushes the waves to a scary level, the guards are ready with a watchful eye
the Ballumer Bocht
houses in the Cammingastraat, Ballum's quiet mainstreet
the showcase of the Ballumer church is the pulpit from 1604, elaborately sculptured from oakwood
the Bell Tower from 1755 stands guard in front of the Dutch Reformed Church
a cormorant in the Ballumer Bocht
the rescue boat Anna Margaretha is ready for action, but luckily for us the weather is calm
the KNRM building
this is Ameland Airport
In the central part you can enjoy the calm of
Ballum where many farm-houses proudly show the year they were build, some
date back to the 18th century.
Ballum used to be home to the Cammingha family that ruled Amelān for several centuries. This
little village functions as administrative center of the island.
Of interest is the sculptured oak pulpit from 1604 in the
Dutch Reformed Church.
For those who crave a bit more action the
Ameland Airport is nearby. Here you can take an lofty tour
over the island, board a glider or go parachute jumping.
On the dike In the
Ballummer Bocht is a monument that honors the
brave men that guard the dikes during storms.
The small harbor here is the base of the sea rescue organization
KNRM, some
vessels are retired but the
Anna Margaretha is always ready for action.
Sofar she has rescued 120 people but in 2006 the
crew went through some harrowing moments themselves when the ship capsized and made a full roll in a 15 meters high monsterwave.
the rustic center of Ballum sports several old houses
but this house is now a small hotel
the monument for the Dijkwachters, the men that check the dike during storms
Ma Oystercatcher shows her young how it is done
several retired rescue vessels rest in the Ballumer Bocht harbor
