Sorry this has nothing to do with sports but I just don't understand why there are stone walls in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the woods. If you know why someone built these stone walls please let me know.
Also, there is a chance that I won't be writing as much this next week or two...then again I say that and I still tend to write a lot...we'll see...but don't say I didn't warn you.
The stone walls are from prior times, used for fencing off property and containing livestock. If you are walking in the woods, all it means is that the woods/fields have taken over and the zoning/property division/markers have changed.
ReplyDeleteIts similar to finding an arrowhead when a field is plowed, or a fossilized shark tooth on the beach. Just not as far back.
What's really interesting is if you visit some of the quieter islands of Hawaii such as Kaui, Molakai, Big Island - you will find similar fences/walls. Missionaries from MA, RI, and CT imported this style of wall/fence building, well before the Revolutionary War.
We came across the fences/walls when we visited the woods around UCONN-Storrs and when we were out walking with our families residing on Big Island.
I love learning new things. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteHold on, there is more..,
ReplyDeleteThis type of fencing is considered one of the "old ways" in the islands as the Hawaiian people are committed to retaining their culture, language and values. Were you to comment to my Hawaiian brother-in-law that the missionaires taught his people how to construct in this fashion..., he would laugh and suggest it may be the other way around. He could be right as there is no true documentation as to which came first.
You will see many island homes newly fenced in in this fashion. Family gatherings take place to construct these walls/fences, and include special "prayers". The fences can become quite elaborate despite not using motar, or any other adhesive. With the trade-winds, plants such as orchids and ferns will sprout in the cracks & openings.
Cool! I remember someone in Hawaii telling me that everything that started to grow on the island came from the winds you mentioned, the water, or birds.
ReplyDeleteHawaii is one of my 2 or 3 favorite places on earth.