Texel Island orchid paradise - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 06-01-2009, 05:40 PM

Since it was a 3 day weekend, I spent 2 days up at Texel Island, which is part of the West Friesan Islands in the very north of the netherlands. The island has the highest orchid density in the entire country, and I wasn't disappointed! We found a huge field absolutely full of orchids, Dactylorhiza maculata and another that I must finish identifying. Based on the size of the field and the number of orchids we saw per m², I made an educated guess that there were probably over 70 000 orchids there!

There are other species of orchids growing elsewhere on the island also in large groups, but the island is large and we were traveling on bicycle so it's impossible to see everything. We did 80km in 2 days, which is not bad at all considering we spent quite some time at the beach and walking. As an aside, here's what the wild side of the island is like.

Justin Parkkonen · #2 06-01-2009, 07:11 PM

Thank you for the photos! That is an absolutely stunning orchid and the island looks amazing as well.

Blueszz · #3 06-01-2009, 07:23 PM

Thank you Camille for showing us these. 80 km on your bike is good, considdering we had a lot of wind this weekend. At least we had quit some wind in the South of NL but most if the times the wind in the North and on the Islands is worse ;-)

Nicole

dounoharm · #4 06-01-2009, 08:51 PM

wow! what a treat to see those beauties in thier natural habitat! lucky girl camille, keep those memories of beauty!

flhiker · #5 06-01-2009, 10:57 PM

They are stunning! And what a beautiful place. I know you have been wanting to get out and see wild stuff.

Tom-DE · #6 06-01-2009, 10:58 PM

Lovely flowers and beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.

prem · #7 06-02-2009, 04:20 AM

that is wonderful! thanks for sharing!

---Prem

playtime8978 · #8 06-02-2009, 06:37 AM

Beautiful! both the scenery and the orchids are breath taking, how I would love to see orchids in their natural habitat. Thank you for taking us along with you on your trip.

camille1585 · #9 06-02-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueszz

Thank you Camille for showing us these. 80 km on your bike is good, considdering we had a lot of wind this weekend. At least we had quit some wind in the South of NL but most if the times the wind in the North and on the Islands is worse ;-)

Nicole

The wind was just awful!! It was so strong the entire time. Going north to the lighthouse was very difficult and slow, but at least on the way back we hardly had to pedal! We should have stayed an extra day, there is so much to see. Have you ever been there?

RosieC · #10 06-02-2009, 11:12 AM