I was fortunate enough to be able to walk the 8km around Tramore Beach early this morning and on my way back I came to the row of old railway sleepers that are on the Back Strand – that is behind the sand dunes away from the sea.
I stopped, as I often do, to feel them and just admire the worn wood. I realised as I stood there that these bits of wood symbolise my precious Tramore to me more than practically anything else. I have loved them since I was a tiny kid and I think I would recognise them anywhere no matter what context they were presented in.
So often, it is little incidental things that burn their way into our hearts as opposed to the much more obvious. Just one glimpse at the sleepers and I can feel everything about the beach that is my darling place.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
“Sleeper”–that is another new one for me. We call them ties. Are they used to make a walkway?
Yes, we’re talking about the same things. They are used in an upright position on the beach and were erected to protect against erosion.
Similar then; we lay them flat to protect against erosion from rain run-off. I guess with the sea, one would need more protection.
Certainly the sea around here when it gets in a rage!
I do envy you this Jean 💜😍
Oh, I know. I am beyond fortunate to have the beach 2 mins from the house.
And the softly singing sea 💜
Ah yes! It’s so lovely to hear the waves at night when the tide is in.
So soothing 💜
I perk up whenever there are reminders of the railway days. I see there used to be a line up and down to Waterford. If these inanimate objects could talk what tales they’d tell. Yet one day they’ll be gone to make way for something else I guess.
Yes, there was a train from Tramore to Waterford which was heavily used back in the day. There are lots of remnants of it still, including the old station house in Tramore. Sadly, the line was pulled up but there are old stone bridges from where you can see where the track was.
Your railroad ties/sleepers reminded me of the term “Gandy Dancer” those who use to lay tracks for the railroad…Interesting word..We make use of railroad ties in various ways…as borders or steps for landscaping designs around gardens…
now i have to look that up..what a great term!
I’m off to check it out too, Joni. Thanks for sharing.