the secret meadow

There's this abandoned railroad that runs through our neighborhood in Philly that has always been a source of intrigue for Ryan and I. When you see trees growing on bridges over your head, you kinda can't help but take notice. On Sunday Ryan and I decided it was high time we explore this mystery wonderland and spent a couple of hours doing research on it before we did (we're dorks like that). What we found out is that this portion of tracks is called the Reading Viaduct and it literally divides the Callowhill area of Philadelphia.

Abandoned many, many years ago the rail beds remain intact and nature has completely taken over the landscape. What has resulted is incredible vegetation and a beautiful harmony of industry and nature living together in a space. A secret meadow, 30 feet in the air.

Like the High Line in NYC there's currently a proposal to turn these tracks into a park and I couldn't support the plan more. The cost would be far less than destroying the tracks, and it would do wonders to revitalize this neighborhood which still struggles to get its footing after the mass exodus of industry that created it in the first place. You can learn more about the first phase of the proposed park here.

Ryan and I had the best time exploring this secret place and I have a few more photos to share tomorrow. I think I may have found my favorite part of Philadelphia yet. big kiss, bekuh