Picture of the day - February 19, 2008

A classic Dutch windmill

Photo courtesy of Jos van Galen. The Dutch landscape has been dotted with windmills for centuries. All of those mills have been used for a number of industrial purposes over the years, the most important of which was to drain excess water from the land. In fact, much of modern-day Holland would be under water today were it not for the tireless work of the country's numerous windmills. Although the classic Dutch mills are rather rudimentary in design, they work very well for their intended purposes. Today there are over 1150 functional windmills scattered around the Dutch countryside, and even more if you count the ones that are missing pieces or are otherwise out of service. Today's picture by photographer Jos van Galen features a classic example of Holland's iconic windmills. As I sit here admiring this beautiful scene, I'm reminded of a couple of books about Holland that I read as a youngster and it makes me want to pay the country a visit someday. It sure is a shame that my dad never had the opportunity to go there. After all, Holland must surely be heaven for someone who loved whirligigs and windmills as much as he did!   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!                                 Place the "Picture of the Day" on your website, for free! Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"