I had lots of ideas for today’s MOP Transportation theme but they were all scuppered by my interminably unreliable car. Having sent it off on the back of an RAC tow truck to (hopefully) be fixed I was left to figure out how I get around to all my schools this week in a largely rural area with no car. One of the solutions in the subject of my photo today – Shank’s Pony. This is a phrase I remember my friend Jenny using when we were at school together as a description for walking somewhere rather than using another mode of transport. I have no idea if this phrase is used in other English-speaking parts of the world – I’ll be interested to hear if it’s a saying that other Photoblog members use!

Many thanks to Jon for suggesting and coordinating this Mass Observation Project. It is in response to the project of the same name which took place in the United Kingdom in the 1930s and 40s to record everyday life. On the first Monday of each month Photoblog members will post a photo on a particular theme depicting life in their own country. A list of all of this month’s MOP photos can be found here.

Quite nice shoes. I imagine them to be dark brown with some orange stripes. :) snowpie · 2011-06-06: 12:59

Never heard that phrase before. great shot of comfy looking shoes MoMac · 2011-06-06: 13:18

In any case it is very much "back to the roots" GKorts · 2011-06-06: 14:29

I adore this shot ! josy63 · 2011-06-06: 14:57

Had never heard of "Shank's Pony," but it's a great expression! Super shot and creative idea for the MOP, Helen! lookagain · 2011-06-06: 15:12

Hehe, very nice!!! Ryana · 2011-06-06: 15:21

Nice shot for the theme. Lynda · 2011-06-06: 15:23

very good done,in polish we haven't such phrase, it 's very good idea - nothing more sure than own legs gonia · 2011-06-06: 16:44

Never heard the expression before, but it reminds me of "taking the 11 bus!" Great post, as usual! ????? · 2011-06-06: 17:49

Great shot Helen and perfect for the MOP. We say "hoofin' it" Just like Shank's Pony does! danrav · 2011-06-06: 20:48

I have never heard of that expression, but it's pretty fun so I'll undoubtedly be using it! :) DancingDolphin · 2011-06-06: 20:54

Great photo Helen. We say Shanks' Pony here. No idea what the origin is though. Jarvo · 2011-06-06: 21:13

Great Helen! I imagine them to be tan. Are the Dansko? liveandletlive · 2011-06-06: 21:51

Excellent! I was considering using a pair of shoes too! smbunation · 2011-06-06: 23:39

lovely shot Helen, much much nicer than my worn out old sandals lol McMommy · 2011-06-07: 00:24

never heard that before great take on the theme slowpete · 2011-06-07: 03:57

great idea for transportation! besides the picture is beautiful, congrats! tomie · 2011-06-07: 04:45

I think this is the healthiest form of transportation:) Lovely shot! Eiram · 2011-06-07: 05:23

lOVELY SHOT...WONDERFUL GREETINGS FROM BILBAO ????? · 2011-06-07: 07:52

had to use this form of transportation a lot this last week after demise of car; I was sort of glad to be reminded that I could live without a vehicle but I was so exhausted trying to live "normally"; made me realise how tied in with a car is a whole way of life equivalence · 2011-06-07: 15:38

So cute ! helys · 2011-06-07: 15:48

Oh no - naughty Mini. Mine is currently unemployed - you could have borrowed her if you lived nearer! Sharon · 2011-06-07: 17:19

No... I have never heard that expression......good one though. We just call them "Treads" ArtBee · 2011-06-10: 09:08

Tagged: mop09 shoes transport