The Texas countryside is always very scenic. It doesn’t matter whether you are driving along Hill Country roads or along the Texas Panhandle’s vast landscape, there will always be something to admire. This photo series, for example, appeared before my eyes just a couple of years ago, when I went camping at Caprock Canyons SP up in the Texas Panhandle. One evening, while driving back to the park, I saw this interesting display. I just had to stop.
The tradition of placing boots on the fence is said to have started in the early 1970s. The story goes on to say that a landowner found an old boot and placed it on a post. You have probably seen similar things around your area. How many tennis shoes have you seen hanging from an electric wire? All it takes is for someone to put one up there. The same goes for boots. In the photo above, it is interesting to note that boots are not the only decorative pieces. Looking up and down this fence, I encountered several other objects.
It was not just enough to line up bicycles along the fence. Several dolls were also added to the bikes. Since there are no specific Texas laws regarding the placement of boots on a fence, it is up to the owners to do what they want to do with their fences. Let’s face it, fences are a way of life in Texas and in many other locations. They mark property boundaries, keep livestock in, and provide a sense of security.
Boots are a symbol of Texas culture. They are worn by ranchers, cowboys, and everyday Texans alike.
There is a long-standing tradition of placing old boots on fence posts in Texas. The reasons for this vary, but some believe it is a way to honor the past, protect the posts from rain, or simply to add a touch of personality to the landscape. Sometimes, there is even additional art placed on the boots on a post. Take a look at these two examples that follow.
If you click on each photo, you will be able to see in more detail what you can spot on the boots.
No matter what the reason is, landowners like to decorate their fences with different objects. One cannot deny that these artistic expressions do add more color to the countryside.
The idea behind this post came from Dawn M. Miller’s blog The Day After and her call for the Lens-Artisis Challenge #258: Fences.
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Tina Schell
What a fun choice for the week Egidio! Loved the boots – they reminded me of the shoe/sneaker tree I saw when visiting the national parks in Utah. What will they think of next?!
Egídio Leitão
Tina, the human creativity never ceases to amaze me. I’m sure we’ll see more things popping up along fences and other places. Thanks for the feedback.
Wind Kisses
Texas always brings the biggest and best surprises, doesn’t it? This was a fun read and scroll. I had heard of shoes and boots before, but never the bikes and dolls. Well done. Loved it.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, you are so right about Texas. I’m glad you liked the post. Thanks for the feedback.
margaret21
What a fun post! It must have been a challenge, photo-ing these assorted fences.
Egídio Leitão
A fun “post” you said. Good pun! Actually all those photos were from the same fence.
margaret21
Oh, wow!
Anne Sandler
I enjoyed this post Egidio! Great photography and story.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback, Anne. I appreciated it.
Rupali
So interesting!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback.
Dawn M. Miller
Bicycles seem like a rather pricey item to abandon. I’m surprised there are so many.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Dawn. I’m sorry WP pinged you again. I was only doing a minor edit, but my post had a link to your post.