PEAR TREE LOG

pear tree log: I started this blog to keep my younger son, Jonny, in touch with life in Lincolnshire, while he spent a year working in China. That year turned into five! Now he is home and training to become a physics teacher. This is simply a patchwork quilt of some of the things I enjoy - life in rural Lincolnshire, our animals, friends, architecture, books, the gardens, and things of passing interest.



Thursday 14 June 2012

Fridays Fences

click to enlarge





Metal railings on top of brickwork...



Metal railings, overgrown trees, attractive brickwork and metalwork...
It is a fence of metal railings on top of an old railway bridge across a country road.
 The bridge was built in 1848 for the Eastcoast Railway Line which ran between Louth and Boston.
Sadly, this line was closed in 1961, which explains why there are trees and shrubs growing all along the top, nature is reclaiming  the line, and the bridge.

You may be able to read the sign which warns that only vehicles of 12'6", or less may use the road under the bridge...

This bridge is on a narrow country road, with a trout farm entrance to the left and a cereal crop field to the right - neither space is suitable for a large vehicle to turn...times without number do we hear the "beep - beep" of enormous vehicles as they have to reverse a quarter of a mile before they find somewhere suitable to turn to  avoid the low bridge!

There are lots of warning signs, but too much reliance on sat-nav systems could be a factor.

I am happy to be participating in Fridays Fences with Jan and Jer.
Please check out their website for lots of interesting fences.

57 comments:

  1. It's a very beautiful shots! The area looks quiet and peaceful. ^_^

    Kim, USA

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    1. Hello Kim, Thank you. It is a very peaceful, rural area.

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  2. That is a beautiful old brick railroad bridge. I love the last picture!

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    1. Hello Grandma Barb, I'm so pleased you like it. It is a very attractive old bridge, softened by the greenery.

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  3. Hello Elaine
    Please pop over to my blog. I have left something there for you.

    Amanda :-)

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    1. Hello Amanda, That sounds exciting, I'll pop over shortly.

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  4. Nice shots...love that nature is taking over!

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    1. Hello Jan n Jer, Left to nature for 50 years and it is quietly being softened and colonised.

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    1. Hello TexWisGirl, We have had so much rain lately that everywhere is green..even the bits which are not supposed to be!

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  6. I love finding these old railway bridges.
    Nice shot!

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    1. Hello Carletta, I love imagining the people who must have travelled over that bridge during all the years it was in use.

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  7. From the first shot I knew it had to be a railway bridge!
    Jane x

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    1. Hello Jane, Well spotted! I walk or drive under it almost every day, I thought it was time that I really looked at it again!

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  8. The shrubs add to the beauty of the bridge!!

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    1. Hello Bev, They soften the hard edges and fix it, beautifully.

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  9. Your old railway bridge looks very much like one by a park near here. In fact, the height is even the same. Every time I pass under it, I feel a little bit leery about the old bricks and stones supporting all that weight above me--especially when there's a train passing over it!

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    1. Hello Ms Sparrow, I can imagine that must be scary! This bridge does have a wonderful echo - as Dom has reminded me. The trouble is on the rare occasion I am walking through when a vehicle also drives through it becomes incredibly unpleasant with the sound echoing round.

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    1. Hello Cro, Yes, that man. He had a lot to answer for.

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  11. Goddam Beeching! Love the echo this bridge has. You should record it and put it on the blog!!

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    1. Hello Dom, I bet the people who live in the old stations, and station masters houses are happy though. The echo is great fun, I often have a play with it - then look around to see if anyone could have heard me!

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  12. Hello Elaine....I just love old railroad bridges, especially when built with brick. Everything looks so lush and green....

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    1. Hello Meggie, It is a really nice old bridge, the old railway line has become a haven for birds and wildlife - and the odd tree or two!

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  13. Love that bridge. Just gorgeous!!!

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    1. Hello Knatolee, It is lovely, especially with those three round metal plates, they almost look like shields.

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  14. I love that last photo with all the green encircling the bridge, so beautiful in a mysterious sort of way.

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    1. Hello Linda, We have had so much rain in the last couple of months that everywhere is very green - I know that deer and at least one peacock live up in that area.

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  15. beautiful photos and i just love that bridge!

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    1. Hello Tanya, Thank you. It is enjoying its retirement after supporting all those heavy trains for so many years.

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  16. I love the lush, green feel of your shots and really like that last one a lot.

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    1. Hello Rose, Thank you. I see that view every day, it is so nice to be able to share it with everyone.

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  17. love the last one. what a view. (:

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    1. Hello Beth, I took the last one as I was walking away, I wanted to show the setting. I'm so glad it worked.

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  18. Elaine, Your fence choice today and the story reminded me of a Thomas the Train adventure. My grandson, Ari, and I love the one where Thomas comes across an old train that was forgotten (Hero) and befriends him. He goes everyday to keep him company in the overgrown area. When Top'm Hat discovers this, he is happy that Thomas found Hero and the old steam engine is brought into the steam works to be refurbished. It makes Ari and I smile that Thomas made a new friend and moreover, made Hero feel loved again.
    I'm so thankful for all of my blogfriends...especially you. XOXO

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  19. What a beautiful bridge. I am glad you captured it in a picture and I am glad you shared it with us!!

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    1. Hello In My Wild Eden, No doubt at some point someone will want it removed, so it is good to appreciate it while we still have it.

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  20. Oh my gosh, the apron is with me and I've just posted the first post. The apron holds so much love and magic....you cannot believe how honoured (and humbled)I am to have such company for sisters.
    Jane xx

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    1. Hello Jane, Welcome to the sisterhood! Take your time and enjoy the magical experience.x

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  21. beautiful bridge and railings. Love how it becomes overgrown.

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    1. Hello NatureFootstep, I also love to see how nature is determined to reclaim that which was hers.

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  22. So very nice to visit your blog and I love the bridge and railings AND the green growth! Have a nice weekend.

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    1. Hello Maple Lane, Three very different elements which can work so well together. I hope you enjoy your weekend too.

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  23. The old rail lines have much character. Thanks for sharing this bridge.

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    1. Hello Amy, It is a shame the railway line was closed, but I am very grateful that I get to enjoy my walks along the old track without having to listen for trains.

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  24. beautiful set of photos, perfect for Friday Fences!

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    1. Hello Nellies, Thank you for stopping by. I am so glad you enjoyed the photographs.

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  25. Elaine, I love the old railway fence and it happened to remind me of a Thomas the Train story that Ari and I love to watch. It's the one where Thomas finds an old steam engine amongst the overgrowth, Hero. He's been forgotten and left to rust in the woods. Thomas visits him everyday and when Top'em Hat wonders where Thomas is going, he discovers one of the most beloved engines that had been forgotten. He brings him to the Steam Works; Hero is polished up and refurbish then takes a place among the rest of the steam engines. A very happy story about loyalty and friendship.

    Thank you for being my friend and sharing your life with us. XOXO

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    1. Hello Susan, I just love those Thomas the Tank stories, the one about Hero is new to me, but I will be sure to look it up.

      Isn't it exciting, the apron has arrived with Jane and she is now part of the sisterhood of the Traveling Susan Apron! In the few weeks since the apron went to Meggie, and she set it off on an adventure, it has done some travelling! It has brought so much happiness as it draws us together, because I know Scarlet enjoyed her experiences too. xx

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    2. I just get a tingly feeling every time the apron travels to one more friend--I truly believe it's why Kelly asked me to continue blogging after she was gone. The strings that bind us are giving us friendships that we may not have ever known--thank you Meggie for your ingenious concept. XOXO

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    3. Dear Susan, Kelly was a wise and wonderful woman. Through you, and the apron, her spirit is still dancing around the world and bringing joy to people. The strings that bind are long and elastic because they are filled with love, and they draw us all together in friendship. You, your mother, Kelly, and Meggie have started something very powerful. Thank you for giving me the chance to experience that friendship.xx

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  26. Glad to find your blog, Elaine. I'll be back for sure. One of my favorite novels of all time is Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South"--and the BBC series with Richard Armitage as well. :-)--seems like it would have been set in your part of the world. About 10 years ago I participated in a garden tour of England--some of the great ones like Leed's Castle, Hidcote, but some private jewels as well. Judging from your header, should have visited you!

    Glad these old structures still are standing. In your photos, especially admire those metal caps on the bridge. What are they called and what's their purpose?

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    1. Hello Faye, Thank you! I am delighted that you have enjoyed it. The little strip of garden in the header is my favourite area; plants are allowed to do their own thing, I just pull the weeds and mow.
      The metal caps on the bridge are intriguing, I have always thought of them as decorative, but I shall make it my mission to explore a little further and report back to you if I find any information.

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  27. Great Fridays Fences, Elaine. I agree with Faye...your blog is a delight! I always learn something new and find everything so beautiful and so interesting!

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    1. Hello Marie, I am blushing now, but thank you. I think the world is a beautiful place filled with things which interest me, I am so pleased that you do too.

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  28. Lovely blog, Elaine! I love that railway bridge!

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    1. Hello Liz, A big welcome! It is a very attractive old bridge which I hope they will continue to maintain. Quite apart from anything else I would miss playing about with the echo!

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