flame lily: The Netherlands

Each year we take a trip across the border to The Netherlands to see the tulip fields. Each year we get the timing wrong and see fields like this.

So we always end up going to Keukenhof and see things like this. Beautiful but not quite fields of tulips!

This year was different, very different. We got our act together and went earlier. The optimum time, mid April. We followed the well trodden Bollenstreek route.

Our timing was perfect. Fields......

And fields.......

And fields of tulips.

Even the fields that were still in bud were just as beautiful.......

We even managed to see Keukenhof too! The route skirts the gardens and all you can see is their famous windmill.

We saw more windmills too. This time 'for sale'. We bought the pink one!

More fields of tulips. Even the graffiti on the building didn't appear out of place.

Some of the combinations were stunning. In particular this field of red and white tulips.

The colours echoed this wonderful vintage treasure. An old Citroën H Van converted into a camper.

Check out the gorgeous red and white check curtains!

This wasn't the only Citroën old timer on the road. Amongst the many was this 2CV. It looked fabulous against the back drop of the red and orange tulips. The two young men seemed to be having a lot of fun witnessing tulip mania.

Or maybe they were just taking in the marvellous scenery......

In particular these wonderful red and yellow tulips.

We saw every mode of transport possible. From pony and trap to Army platoon marching their way through the fields!

One of the best ways to complete the route is on two wheels. Human or motor powered. There is now a special Bollenstreek route for cyclists. Bikes and motor scooters in all shapes and forms can be hired along the route.

If you have to travel by motor vehicle, then undoubtedly the best way is by an open top car. The route is so popular that you can even download it for TomTom.

Driving through the hyacinth fields, the scent literally takes your breath away!

We were in our VW camper so we just opened the windows and enjoyed the delights.

And delights......

As did these young ladies taking photographs on a mound of straw that they use to lay between each row of bulbs.

The route not only takes you inland but also along the coast through the seaside towns of Katwijk and Noordwijk.

Here Lily was able to stretch her legs and have a well earned romp along the beach while we had fish and chips!

Even the cleared fields take on a beauty of their own.

As do the crates used to store the bulbs.

Test beds were dotted everywhere and easily recognisable by the mixture of colours.

During the growing process the bulbs are de-headed. The heads are just left on the ground....

We were even in time for the narcissus fields.

Fields and fields......

And fields.

It was a very special weekend. The atmosphere was wonderful. The weather was glorious. Everybody seemed to be having a really wonderful time taking in the once a year spectacle.

For the photographer, amateur or professional, it was a dream. Whether it was photographs of loved ones.