I have several images of this tree taken during all four seasons and at different times of the day. This tree lies along a three-quarter mile stretch of dirt road leading to the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area. I’ve been going out there for the past 10 years for quiet time and photography. I’ve seen many a hawk perched on one it’s branches and even an eagle. I like this old tree and what it stands for. Over that ten years I’ve had the chance watch this area change.
A gravel company has moved into the area and is raping the pasture land for gravel pits. There is also some development work on the opposite side of the road for what could be a housing area. The old wooden fence posts and barbed wire fence has been allowed to decay and in some places removed and replaced with a six foot high chain link fence. I loved that barbed wire fence and those old posts. The barbed wire fence was put there to contain the cattle and horses that grazed those pastures. For me, the chain link fence is more about possession, success and restriction (No trespassing signs all over the place). There is something about an old leaning wood fence post that can make me smile. I don’t have that same feeling with a chain link fence.
I use to hear meadowlarks singing all along the road but they now are more confined to the area around the nature area. And, of course the barking prairie dogs have been poisoned and no longer sound their warnings when I arrived. A few cottontail rabbits can still be seen but again these are along the nature area. In a few years man’s encroachment for monetary gain will erase the knowledge that this was at one time a pasture, an ecosystem of its own.
7 Comments
Tom Dills
There’s just something about chain link fence and barbed wire that says “stay away” instead of wooden fence posts and wire that just says “this is mine.” Love the rabbit, though!
Monte Stevens
The chain link fence does not emit a good feeling for me.
oneowner
I see the necessity of fences but you would think, after building fences for hundreds of years, there would be a way to make them attractive and functional. Still, the rabbit is cute.
Monte Stevens
When the fence is used to keep others out then it is ugly to me. Now, if I’m on the other side then it may be ugly also. The rabbit was a perk that morning.
paul
All in the name of progress. I’m not a fan of chain link and No Trespassing signs, either. I have plenty of rabbits in my back, side, and front yards. There’s not shortage of those little buggers! I like barbed wire fences, especially older ones … there seems to be some sort of character about them.
Monte Stevens
Wow, you commented this three days ago. Where have I been? Have you named your bunnies?
paul
Nope. Mostly I call them all: Get the heck out of here, or “scram”, for short! 😉