I was surprised to see that it’s been over a year since I last visited Yoyo Collas’ Homestead region of Borkum (see: Borkum’s Winter in Second Life); so long, in fact that I gather the region may have vanished for a time from the grid. However, it is now back within a new location, and I’ve been keen to make a revisit.
As I noted back in November 2023:
Drawing its name from the Lower Saxony island which forms the largest and westernmost of the East Frisian Islands as it sits alongside the border with the Netherlands, and caught between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, Yoyo’s Borkum has always been a place that is both photogenic and a reminder of how good it is to spend time away from the bustle of life and simply be.
This remains the case now as much as it did then; the major difference being that with this iteration of Borkum, spring has once again returned, allowing it to offer a welcome promise of what is to come for those of us in the northern hemisphere as winter moves increasingly behind us and spring draws ever closer.
One of the delights of Borkum is that whilst the island many change in its overall look and feel with each iteration, it retains many elements from past designs – such ats the Apple Fall Old Manufactory -, so as to always hold the feeling that one is returning to familiar and comfortable place.
With its central upland grasslands and surrounding beaches, this iteration of Borkum is very much a haven for both wildfowl and domesticate animals – horses, sheep, cattle, chickens. The latter are all clearly ruled over by the island’s felines (just as cats hold sway over our physical lives, whatever we might think; as the saying goes – dogs have owners, cats have staff!).
The wildfowl and birds range from geese through seagulls, cormorants, egrets, cranes and even swans. Together with the animal life they offer many opportunities for photography; but so to does the natural beauty of the region. The grasslands of the hills are awash with colour thanks to the meadow flowers, poppies and other blooms which almost completely hide the grass, whilst the scrub trees, buildings and other structures all add to the picturesque nature of the setting.
I’m not going to describe how to explore the island – it is easy enough to work out for yourself; the paths offer hints, pointing places of interest, but really, Borkum is a place to simply wander and to sit and allow the time to pass, either on your own or in company. For those so minded, there is a sailing boat slowly circling the island visitors can sit upon, but there are more than enough places on land for people to enjoy if the boat is already occupied when you visit.
The sense of solitude present on the island is enhanced somewhat by the hints that it might be the retreat for an artist, and which also happens to offer opportunities for visits dropping by, thanks to the beaches and the little café.
Rather than say anything else, I’ll close with the words Yoyo has written for the region, as they are the most fitting:
Far out in the endless northern dance,
where waves weave patterns in a timeless trance, lies an island, where winds still play,
Borkum, a gem in the ocean’s sway.
The gulls sing clear, a hymn to the skies,
of horizons that promise where the future lies. The briny air speaks bold and free,
of ventures shaped by the restless sea.
Upon the shore where stories remain,
where amber gleams in a golden chain,
an eternal symphony calling us all.
When the night lays out its starry veil,
and the breeze unfolds its ocean tale,
you’ll dream of Borkum, the boundless strand, the island of wonder, the promised land.
So, go visit and enjoy.
SLurl Details
- Borkum (Poetry, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 