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An afternoon in Ven-Zelderheide, near the Dutch-German border. Green fields, dark clouds and a wide-open view.
On 1 May 2020, I'm out in Ven-Zelderheide, just across the Dutch border. Big clouds hang over the fields, with the sun still breaking through. Further away, the sky is already much darker. This is what I enjoy about being out watching the weather. You don't always need a long drive to find an interesting sky.
Sunlight on the fields
Some of the green fields are still in the sun. Beside them are freshly worked fields, farms and rows of trees. I keep looking up. By now, the clouds fill much of the sky.
It's bright nearby, while the land further away is in shadow. I like that contrast. The fields look like spring, but parts of the sky are already quite dark.
By the lake
The clouds are packed together above the lake as well. The pale shores really stand out, with a strip of woodland behind them. From here, I have a good view of the clouds over the open countryside.
I take a few photos along the way. It's not just the darkest cloud that catches my eye. I also like the patches of light on the water and fields.
The horizon turns grey
Later, it's much darker above the woods and fields. I can barely make out the distant trees, while those nearby are still clearly visible.
I stay for a while to watch the clouds. The light keeps changing. A field that looked bright a moment ago is suddenly beneath a dark sky.
What I remember from that afternoon is the fresh green of the fields beneath those dark clouds. A short trip close to the border, and one I'm glad I made.