'Boezemmolen Nr. 6', Haastrecht

'Boezem' = 'BOOzum' = means 'bosom'
Why they chose this word to mean a connecting channel between two rivers is anyone's guess.
'Nr. 6' = There used to be seven windmills in this polder area, of which this is the only one left.

What's unique about this windmill?  It has the longest vanes of all the mills in the country.  From the 'top' of one vane to the 'top' of the opposite vane = 30.5 meters.  Its value to the polders and surrounding areas has been classified as 'extremely high'.  It is a functioning windmill, not as a corn mill or sawmill, but to keep the water level in the polders at manageable levels, both to prevent flooding and to maintain the wetlands.  Once in five years, the polders are completely flooded to make sure the natural swamps are preserved.  After a week or two, the water is pumped up to the 'Hooge Boesem' (literally 'high bosom'), after which it is then pumped up even higher to the Hollandse IJssel, which eventually joins the Maas in Rotterdam, some 25 km. further, on its way to the sea.

I took advantage of the opportunity to walk on the cycling tracks along the wetland area.  Many of the native birds and fowl build their nests there, and some of the young had already hatched and were swimming in close proximity to their parents, including swans, hoons, ducks, and geese.  Number 6 was facing away from the sun, but while I was not so happy about that, I did manage to take some acceptable side shots and profiles.  Two extras = 1) another panoramic shot, and 2) a shot of the wetlands.

Before going home, passed by IKEA to pick up a waste container with separate compartments for paper and plastic, and bread for AW.  Gaming, outlining, some housework, and AW had Monday live bridge with his local club.  At the border, it appears that two high-ranking Russian generals were killed in Ukraine, both of whom were reportedly close to Moscow Mig.  In the meantime, some 2000 refugees have arrived here and are being welcomed with open arms.  No need for visas, and those who already had visas and had arrived before the war are allowed to stay much longer without the need to apply for visa extension.  Tomorrow, I will phone Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland, our refugee centre, and ask if we are allowed to donate some blankets, sleeping bags, and such.