03 October 2010

The Railroad Beauties . . .

This is the railroad tracks of the PNR (Philippine National Railways) which run from Manila to Bicol! I tried riding the train years ago (on a school field trip) and I'll try to do that again when I have the chance. It is quite a sight now with squatters (or the politically correct term 'informal settlers') practically living on the side of the tracks exposing themselves and their families to the danger, the pollution and the degrading state of illegally squatting on public property! For years, the local government tried to clear the tracks and they succeeded in parts although I can't understand why they were not able to stop people from building their houses there in the first place! Recently, I was surprised to find that they were able to clear the tracks outside of my subdivision and I wonder if the government is finally getting their acts together. And to my great delight I discovered that along the tracks were these long stretch of beautiful flowers! I searched for the caretaker and when I found him, he told me that he takes care of the landscaping of our subdivision's common areas (no wonder there are so many flowers around!) I will make a special feature about him next week.

I salute these people who deal with the earth, those who dig and plant and nurture the things that make our cities and communities a pleasant and productive land. And I salute Santilli, Denise, Pupo, and Sandy for hosting Todays Flowers every Sunday where flower lovers and flower keepers abound! Do check them out!

12 comments:

Viola said...

Seems like an old track to me.. I've heard that railway tracks give radiation when living too closed up to the tracks.... Lovely flowers you are showing us here! Greetings from Viola! :)

The Chair Speaks said...

This rail track brought back many memories of young childhood days when we enjoyed those steam-run trains. Thank you for posting.
Those flowers are lovely along side the track. Am looking forward to your post about the person who planted it. :)

Carver said...

The flowers along the tracks are delightful. Interesting post.

Unknown said...

these flowers are definitely a welcome sight than the dirt and poverty we've seen along the PNR tracks. great post.

Carletta said...

That railroad track is so much more idyllic than ours here. :)
Lovely shot of the tracks and roses.
Your macros are lovely!

Sandra Rocha said...

So beatiful flowers

Marilyn said...

The flowers are pretty, but my goodness they and the houses are so CLOSE to the tracks! We have mile long coal trains in our part of Colorado going through our town many times a day! ♥♫

Larry said...

Lovely zinnias and an interesting post... L

SMUT Group said...

Howdee,
Nice Philippine railway article with a difference. Great work.
Regarding Viola's comment above :-) No you can't get radiation from the track, maybe cold feet if you stand on them in cold weather, but not radiation.
However overhead wiring of electric trains could likely do such things. But PNR has none of that.

Regards
Brad
Philippine Railway Historical Society
http://philippine-railways.blogspot.com

Arija said...

The stationmaster must be very proud of is garden.

Charlene N. K. said...

How lovely these zinnias are! I love their colors and the way you captured them.

Unknown said...

The flowers are lovely and how nice that he takes care of keeping things beautiful! People just build right by the tracks? Don't they have to buy land before they can build someplace?