Could cross post this in multiple threads but here should do nicely.
This was in the Museum of Fine Art in downtown Little Rock.
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This is quite an engineering marvel, the Junction Bridge across the Arkansas River downtown Little Rock.
To gain clearance for tall ships the whole bridge rises instead of a traditional draw bridge type arrangement.
Originally it was a railroad swing bridge but later converted to lift style for road use before being decommissioned to a foot bridge in the 2000’s.
And you can walk across it which is something else!
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Beautiful! Looks a bit like ‘De Hef’ in Rotterdam.
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Another glorious lift bridge design, thanks for the link!
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Today’s walk had few photo-opportunities but this elderly Oak Tree was impressive being roughly 3 metres in diameter…
The Armada beacon hut (at Shute, East Devon) is a modern replica…
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The Obelisk. Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK.
Constructed in 1702.
- The Ritual:
The Ripon Hornblower, dressed in traditional attire, blows a horn at each of the four corners of the obelisk in the Market Square at 9 pm every night, without fail.
- Setting the Watch:
This ceremony signifies the start of the night watch, a tradition dating back to Saxon times when the Wakeman would patrol the streets to protect the city from threats like Viking raids.
- Historical Significance:
The hornblower’s role evolved from the Wakeman, who was responsible for crime prevention and compensating victims of burglary. He had constables to patrol the streets and levied a rate on houses.
- The Mayor’s Involvement:
After the role of Wakeman was replaced by the Mayor, the hornblower’s duty included informing the Mayor that the watch had been set.
- The Horn:
Ripon has several horns, including the oldest, the Charter Horn, and one acquired in 1690. The horn used in the ceremony today was purchased by a Mayor in 1865.
- Modern Ceremony:
Today, the hornblowing is a ceremonial duty, and Ripon has a team of four hornblowers who share the role. According to North Yorkshire Archives Blog, the current hornblower, Allison Clark, uses the McHardy Quest Horn.
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He wants something
I’m guessing it’s my Wife’s shortbread
Cheers!
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, UK. June 15th 2025.
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A wonderful hike through God da Tamangur, Europe‘s highest Swiss stone pine forest (Pinus cembra). A remote area in the Grisons, no mobile receptionnat all! A wonderful hike!
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