fencing us in (day 19 and 20)
When I first moved to New Brunswick, rail fences could be seen almost everywhere in rural areas. The design was simple – stacks of very long cedar logs in a zigzag without posts at the junction. The logs were piled from 3 to 4 high and were very weathered. These fences used cedar in the construction because of its natural ability to withstand rot.
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As the years go by, these fences have gradually disappeared from the landscape. Part of this is because the fences eventually deteriorate. Also, people salvage the rails for landscaping and other projects.
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distance travelled (map from Google Earth)
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8-19 February 25, 2014 30 minutes (Petit-Rocher-Nord to Petit-Rocher)
8-20 February 27, 2014 30 minutes (Petit-Rocher to Petit-Rocher-Sud)
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Although I haven’t seen the zigzag style of rail fence on my virtual bike trip along the northern New Brunswick coast, I have seen other rail fence designs. These fences are also built of cedar, but the rails are supported at the junctions by short lengths of cedar …
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rail fence near Nash Creek (image from Street View)
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or on a sort of ladder, consisting of two posts and cross-members …
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rail fence near Pointe Verte (image from Street View)
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When I was younger, sitting on a fence like any of these was on my list of favorite things to do. Today, our property is fenced with a zigzag style cedar rail fence, built by my husband who is proud to say not a nail is used in the construction …
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zigzag rail fence round our property
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I wonder if there are nails used in this rail fence …
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March 5, 2014 ‘rail fence’ Jane Tims
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Copyright 2014 Jane Tims
nichepoetryandprose 
Love picture of the fence your husband built around your property. We don’t see too many like this in these parts, most of our “fences” are stonewalls, many of them crumbling with age.
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Barbara Rodgers
March 12, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Hi Barbara. Our fence is great because it provides a visual limit to the property, yet the deer and other wildlife can come and go as they please. Jane
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jane tims
March 21, 2014 at 9:14 am
Love that painting!
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Top Of The Slush Pile
March 11, 2014 at 5:57 am
Hi Gemma. Thanks. Jane
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jane tims
March 11, 2014 at 10:21 pm
I love those cedar fences, and the painting of your rail fence. Beautiful. 🙂 My husband and I were just discussing using cedar for landscaping. We have a lot of downed cedar trees here, and I think I’ll be using some in the gardens.
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Robin
March 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm
Hi. Thanks! They will add a rustic look to your gardens. Jane
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jane tims
March 11, 2014 at 10:21 pm
I love cedar fences too. We have one on one side of our property. It was built perhaps twenty years ago and has begun to fall apart and to rot (slightly). It isn’t as fancy as yours and does have nails in it. We’ll be doing repairs to it this summer as this winter has pulled it apart in places.
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Carol Steel
March 10, 2014 at 8:05 am
Hi Carol. The nailess fence needs maintenance each spring as sections fall down. Easy to fix. Because of the cedar the basic fence will last a long time! Jane
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jane tims
March 10, 2014 at 1:28 pm