After a quiet drive from Groningen, I arrive at a former military site, where time seems to stand still. With my suitcases in hand, I walk among the unusual follies hiding in the middle of Veluwe nature. Among other things, I see a small chapel, a pyramid house and finally I reach our abode: Buitenverblijf Nest. A bird hide, high among the trees. I take a quiet look around me on the outdoor terrace while waiting for Gina (my dear friend) to arrive.
A hidden place surrounded by nature
Spending the night in a bird's nest
Through the large round windows and the sliding door, the light floods into the high bird hide. It feels wonderfully spacious and light. As I look around, I discover a cosy kitchen, spacious bathroom and bedroom under the roof with a lovely big bed. There are solar panels on the roof of Outdoor Stay Nest, making the accommodation completely self-sufficient.
I grab the binoculars from the coffee table, step outside and start peering around me curiously. "We set the alarm early to spot wildlife," we say, laughing, but we both know it will actually happen. We decide to have dinner together, pour a glass of wine and enjoy as the view slowly fades into darkness. A perfect arrival and a wonderful first day.
A surprising morning greeting - On the Veluwe
The alarm clock rings early. Gina walks down the stairs before me. As I make coffee, she suddenly shouts, "I see a fox!" I shoot over to her, grab the binoculars, and yes, there it really is running. Sneaking through the grass, with behind him a deer keeping still among the bushes. The fox looks our way for a moment and then quietly disappears into the forest.
We are both surprised and enthusiastic. Waking up to moments like these here, in the middle of the Veluwe, feels like pure magic. We treat ourselves to a sumptuous breakfast outside on the terrace. How lucky we are, because the sun is slowly starting to shine.
Wandering through time at the Open Air Museum - On the road with the analogue camera
With the whole day ahead of us, Gina suggested we take a look at the open-air museum five kilometres away. At the Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem, you step into another time. Lovely wandering among old farms, moving trams and various crafts. I felt completely in style, as I myself currently work with an old camera from 1980. I proudly carried it with me and used it to capture the atmosphere of the museum. So the images below are anologue.
The sun sets - Calm returns
The Open Air Museum is a fascinating place to visit, but also brings with it a certain buzz. All the nicer it is to return to Outdoor Nest afterwards. We do some more shopping and while dinner simmers gently on the cooker, we relax and chat all the way through.
Before we sit down to dinner, we step out onto the terrace. The sun is slowly sinking behind the trees and we still enjoy the warm glow on our faces. The view over the Veluwe is breathtaking. "Enjoy your meal," we say softly to each other. Night falls and silence takes over again. Time to sleep.
We peek early in the morning to see if we might spot a wild fox or deer. Then we enjoy a last fried egg for breakfast, tidy up and I give Gina a big hug. We both live in different places in the Netherlands, but I tell her, "See you soon, sweetheart." Because I am sure we will see each other again soon! We cast one last glance up at the amazing birdhouse on stilts we were allowed to stay in, then we walk across the military compound, away from the extraordinary structures. Would you also like to spend the night at Buitenverblijf Nest? Then check availability on the website.
Love,
From Honeyguide Marion - Unique experiences
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Staying at the farm
Honeyguide Marion enjoyed a unique overnight farm stay. Farmers the Kalverweide is the perfect place to unwind. Cook outside on the fire or enjoy the expansive view in the hammock.
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A dry trip
I drive towards Harlingen, the city in Friesland where boat 'Actief' will set sail to go into the Wadden area. With my camera on my wrist, I take you on this adventure during a full day in the middle of the Wadden area during a dry land tour with the Wadden Association.
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Culinary mudflats
During the Culinary Wadden Weeks, Honeyguide Marion went on the road for Honeyguide along various catering businesses and producers to taste the flavour of the Wadden Sea. Think deliciously tender meat, cockles, or locally grown potatoes.