Saturday 8 October 2016

The Padlocks!

We are getting closer to Sydney. Will go west of Sydney to miss the heavy traffic, if we don't get lost!  That will be late next week I expect.
Then return to the East Coast to continue our journey home.

A love lock or love padlock is a padlock which sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Typically the sweethearts' names or initials are inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away to symbolize unbreakable love. Since the 2000s, love locks have proliferated at an increasing number of locations worldwide. They are now mostly treated by municipal authorities as litter or vandalism, and there is some cost to their removal. However, there are authorities who embrace them, and who use them as fundraising projects or tourism attractions.
(Wikipedia)

The photo of the padlocks I took looking out to sea at Ballina NSW.

46 comments:

  1. My wife and I were just this morning talking about how some people get their panties in a wad for the dumbest things. (we were talking about photography-public/private-privacy-legality). Life is too short. Folk should work a little harder finding the love and beauty around them. Sigh

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    1. It's a bit silly the rules of taking 'some' things here as well.
      Can understand in some situations but not others.
      Life is far too short for so many things..
      You are correct as I have same thinking.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. I have come across more of the padlocks, will post more later when home.

      Delete
  3. I have seen the "love lock" bridge and there are so many padlocks on it, it is mind blowing!

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    1. Oh have you. I have only seen photos of padlocks on bridges etc. before I came across these ones.

      Delete
  4. We had one here. The padlocks have been removed. Sigh.
    Travel safely.

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  5. It is a custom that has been transmitted from one place to another land, though some places, by their soobrepeso significant, have been eliminated.

    Kisses

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    Replies
    1. Good for the padlock business's then in those places.
      I think it's a good idea, myself.

      Delete
  6. Yes ... a wonderful and romantic idea, but many Authorities do not see it in this light.
    I like your photograph, you've had a wonderful trip, and still more to come.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. I guess the authorities don't see it sometimes.
      Thanks re trip.

      Delete
  7. Thank you for sharing this touch of romance

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  8. Goodness??????????
    I never knew that "padlocks" could be considered romantic or worse as
    litter. I have only thought of them as something to keep the "unwanted"
    OUT.
    Good to know that you are giving Sydney a wide berth - getting from one
    side to the other is akin to HELL if driving.
    I can't recall the ring road that skips around the city's outer suburbs.
    What is it called???
    Tasmania has not gone under water yet - ha ha. Lucky you to have
    the family looking after your residence otherwise you may have
    had trouble locating your home with all the undergrowth.
    Safe driving. No doubt "Shanks" will be VERY relieved when this
    odyssey is over.
    Cheers
    Colin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Has "Shanks" put the floaties onto the van and the caravan yet?
      You may have to paddle your way to the dock in Melbourne.
      Hope you can paddle well Margaret, ha ha!
      Cheers
      Colin

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    2. Well we learn something new each day so we are told.
      That's your lesson re locks for the day, Colin.

      Our house is on higher ground at home, and no houses in the lower lying areas are flooded so the rain can't be too bad.

      Hopefully the weather will take up to 'fine and not windy' by the time we reach Melbourne.

      Shanks is doing well - thanks Colin.

      Delete
  9. That's a nice photo, with not too many padlocks.
    The padlocks have become a nuisance because often there are so many the extra weight can compromise the strength of the bridge, or at least the railings, and that is a danger. Ditto fences, gates etc.

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    Replies
    1. I have heard in one place the locks had to be removed because they were weighing the bridge down.

      Delete
  10. we have the same in Wrocla, Travel safely to your home

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  11. Awww. I did not know about this! I'm glad you posted on it. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Giving Sydney a wide berth does sound wise... but then the motorways are pretty good these days. Safe travelling southward.

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    1. Have been to Sydney before, over the bridge, in the tunnel so don't fancy doing that again and not necessary.
      Thanks re travels and I do hope you are or were not flooded too much down your way.

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  13. travel safe Margaret and i hope you don't get lost. i didn't know we had padlock bridges in oz. i've seen the one in italy. i think it's romantic but didn't think about the weight of them damaging fences.

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    1. I didn't know we had padlock bridges/fences either until I came across this one.
      We should not get lost :) I'm told that the highway it well signed.
      Do hope you didn't get too inconvenienced by the rain and winds that you have had in SA..

      Delete
  14. what is removed as litter is just metal ,spirit of love is still there untouched and immortal

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  15. I would give Sydney a wide berth too, the traffic here is not fun at a the best of times
    Merle................,.

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  16. The new site directory has finally launched. We plan on publishing an article about it on AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles in a day or two, but as an extra thank-you for giving us permission to display your header sight-unseen, you are receiving an early notice. Aside from the slideshow on the Home page and the All category, you can see your header under Photography, Travel and Australia. SiteHoundSniffs.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jerry and Congratulations on the large task - well done.
      When I get home I will take a look and read with intrigue was to what has been done :)
      Thanks for the link so I can.

      Delete
  17. I think love padlocks are great but often wonder if a couple break up does one of them want to go back with bolt cutters to get rid of the padlock.....

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  18. I love the padlock of love! It's a very nice custom!
    Greetings

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  19. Not many lovers around Ballina by the looks of it! Perhaps the sharks have something to do with it! :)

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    1. I think Lee you have nailed that one right on the head - ha ha.
      Colin

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    2. Gosh, shark attacks by 2 alway and it's not summer.
      Politics I believe Lee as to no shark nets of any degree.

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  20. I have seen these padlocks in many places around the world. In some places they had to be removed because the weight of so many was detrimental to the bridge fence. Ballina is a nice place to stay. Good luck in Sydney.

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    1. Have heard about the weight of these padlocks Diane on the news several years ago.
      We managed Sydney well - thanks :)
      The west of but still a lot of traffic and more trucks than cars in many places. Have paid the Toll.

      Delete

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