Posted by Chris (South Jersey, United States) on 27 March 2008 in Transportation and Portfolio.
As I was driving home from Lancaster Pennsylvania the other day (after helping my wife set up for the quilt show she is in), I noticed this scene at a fairly busy intersection.
This Amish man is driving his tractor across the highway (US Rt 30) and I am pretty sure that his vehicle isn't "street legal" - if you notice the smoke billowing from the engine I am sure he would not pass an emissions inspection!
This contrast of the Amish trying to go about their business in their own way while living in the modern world is very striking. I know they try to lead a slow life, but it must sure be hard....
Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote, "God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?"Hebrews 13:5-6
I hope that I can become a better photographer with the examples here on Am3 and by getting your feedback on my images.
Please give me your constructive comments - I do appreciate your input!
I may not be able to reply to each of your comments - but they mean a lot to me and I thank you!
I am on vacation now and do not have access to the internet, so I cannot thank you for your comments or comment on your images - I will try to catch up when I get back. Thanks!
Great shot, the other contrast; Hybrid Toyota Prius vs. polluting tractor. Thanks for sharing.
27 Mar 2008 2:06am
@Andy Nguyen: Thanks - I didn't even notice the Prius there!!
this is so wow! beautiful contrast :)
27 Mar 2008 3:52am
@rain girl: Thanks!
Yup, I reckon his crossing the street has balanced out all the emissions saving of that Prius’ lifetime . . lol . . what a scoop!
27 Mar 2008 5:01am
@Ronnie 2¢: I am not sure what he is burning in that tractor - the Amish do not use electricity or gasoline powered equipment (most of their farm work is done by horse). He could be burning coal in that thing!!
A very interesting culture, the Amish have regional differences. In a place we lived in Iowa, there was a large Amish farming community. There would have been no coal-driven, wood-burning, steam powered tractors there. I learned that it depends on what the local elders will allow. Those Iowa Amish in Buchanan Co. used horse-driven plows.
27 Mar 2008 6:21am
@Viewfinder: Most of the Amish I have seen in Lancaster use horses - in fact I saw quite a few plowing the fields as well. This tractor was very different and the gentleman driving certainly looked Amish.
Ha! This is quite a striking shot Chris! I have been there many times and have had to avoid or wait for the horse drawn carriages, but never have seen this. Great spur of the moment capture. It certainly pays to have your camera with you at all times!
27 Mar 2008 7:39am
@Tracey: It was a fun capture - the conversation between me and my daughter seeing the smoke, realizing what it was, and then me yelling to her to get my camera was pretty funny!
I love the old/slow fast/new thing going on here. Both fine vehicles in there own right. I could see many enthusiasts here, wanting to get their hands on that old traction engine. A brilliant catch Chris.
http://www.steamscenes.org.uk/ Though you might like to see this Chris :)
27 Mar 2008 8:40am
@MaryB: Thank you Mary!!
Now that's not something you see every day! That's really quite a contrast between the old and the new.
I have been there many times and I have seen the carriages but I have never seen that!
27 Mar 2008 9:07am
@Laurie: I had never seen anything like it either - I was glad I had my camera!!
I keep meaning to get to Lancaster next time I am out on the east coast (my girlfriends' family lives nearby). This is a wonderful image, and as others have said it is quite a contrast! Very nice Chris!
27 Mar 2008 11:11am
@Jrask: Lancaster can be fun - but the contrast can be startling as well. Beautiful farms and Amish horse and buggies and then strip malls of outlet stores with horrible traffic, and tourist traps trying to cash in on the Amish. We have our favorite spots and try to avoid the tourist stuff...
This is a great shot! That's quite a piece of farming equipment!
27 Mar 2008 5:57pm
@Betty: Thank you!!
wow. the vintage tractor has style. nice contrast and good job having your camera close by.
27 Mar 2008 6:09pm
@e nelsonian: Thanks - I lucked out having it in the car with me and available when needed!
You got a great shot! I agree with the above comments. I also like the red truck, it adds color and contrast. The Amish around where I live (near south east Lancaster County) use old tractors to power equipment on their farms (but I've never seen one quite this old). They sometimes drive the tractors to move them to another location. Also, they use gasoline powered tools such as generators to power their washing machines, etc. It does vary from groups to group.
27 Mar 2008 7:41pm
@Anita: Thanks Anita - I was amazed at this tractor and how old it looked also - I wish I could have spent some more time up close with it.
Words to live by! Great catch!
27 Mar 2008 8:11pm
@Craig: Thanks Craig!
that is a terrific sentiment and a great image of 'something spotted' around town!
27 Mar 2008 8:35pm
@Betsy Barron : www.thebetsy.com: Thanks!!
Very interesting. The kind of stuff I carry a camera around for. But it's my understanding that whatever the Amish put on the street is "legal." After all, the cops would be on this guy like white on rice if it wasn't.
1 Apr 2008 9:18am
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