Noorderling

My first weeks as an islander have passed. Time to reflect a little.

One of the main reasons to like Vlieland is for its rough weather. In the middle of summer, when calm and warm weather patterns have settled in, I always long for Springtime storms and big waves. I certainly got what I asked for these first weeks. It has been one of the coldest April months of the last ten years. I’m burning more calories then I can replenish by being outside all day building up our surfcamp from morning till evening with surfsessions in between. My lips are peeling and my hands are as dry as cardboard, but gosh do I love this lifestyle.

I won’t deny it, it has been tough the first week. I was missing my woman a lot and the island felt remote and somewhat hostile. Snow storms were keeping me inside for most part of the day. I couldn’t really enjoy the island to the fullest, but it made me spend time with myself and I think that was good for me. Things started to look brighter when the first friends arrived to the island. The storm passed and the sun started to come through. We have been building our surfcamp for the past seven days and made good progress.

I had a sunset surf yesterday and I realised how lucky I am. The skies were beautiful and it was just me and a friend out in the surf. It’s difficult to realise that this is home now. I’ve been on the move for so long, basically since I was around 21. To settle in one places scares me I guess. Vlieland means a lot to me, but it is a tiny world. I know that I won’t be spending my winter here. I’ll be exploring some unknown territory with my woman for sure, enjoying our love to the fullest.

As I am writing this, I realise why I love this island so much. It puts my world into perspective. It shows me the essence of life. For that I am grateful.