Altweibersommer

Maybe a better term would be ‘Indian summer’, since Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are both native to New Engeland.

Time of day: 09:45 am.

The Dutch are famous for wooden shoes. So I got myself a pair of brand new clogs. These low type of clogs are typical for the Achterhoek and called “Achterhoekse Leertjes Klomp” because of the leather strap. Until 1927 these clogs were made completely by hand, that year a machine was bought to speed up the production.

They are made of poplar wood and handmade by fourth generation craftsman Herman ten Hagen. He adjusted the leather straps to fit my feet. They are incredibly comfortable and well made. I am considering buying a second spare pair because there might not be a fifth generation clog maker. In Japan this man would be an official national treasure.

The craft of making wooden clogs with the help of a machine is official Dutch intangible heritage. https://www.immaterieelerfgoed.nl/nl/machinaalklompenmaken