Friday, November 6, 2009

Day 59: Covered Bridges

Every Friday I have a regular appointment about an hour away in Bedford County, home of 14 quaint little covered bridges built about 100 years ago.  I just love little old things that have withstood the test of time--people or objects!  I had been meaning to take a picture of two of them that are directly along my route to and from while the leaves were in full glory, but the weather conspired against me, and it rained every single day I was out there. Now that the leaves have all dropped, the weather was beautiful, of course.

The first one is the Dr. Kniseley bridge, a Burr truss bridge built in 1867.  It is on private land, and the farmers were out with their tractors taking care of the corn fields that surround it.


This next one is the Snook's bridge, another Burr Truss, built in 1883.  It was hard to take a photo because I didn't have permission to go through the fences of the property directly next to it, and there were some power lines and an ugly "CLEARANCE" sign right in front.  But here it is:


The Snook's bridge is drivable--and drive people do!  At full speed over it, without seemingly checking to see if anyone is coming from the other direction! I had fun driving slowly across, enjoying the rumble of the tires on the wood, then I got out and took these pictures of some farm equipment.





And plants:


Looks like it already snowed!


What is it with my taking pictures of farm equipment and plants lately, anyway?   

Which reminds me.  You know those photos I took a few weeks ago of the plants encased in the ice?  You should see them now!  I wanted to stop today, but when I realized what I was looking at, there was a car behind and a car directly in front and I couldn't stop soon enough.  The seed pods have quite literally burst open at the seams, and it looks like soft, cottony stuffing is escaping.  They look amazing!  And who says that plants in Autumn are dead looking?  I've never seen anything look more alive!  I might have to go out tomorrow when running errands with the kids and take some pictures of them to show you.


Oh--fyi, a Burr Truss bridge is one which, according to the Bedford County guide, is "held in place by a set of trusses that interact with an arch that spans the length on each side."  You can see it more in the first photo, since it isn't enclosed.  Named after the designer, Theodore Burr.  There you go!

For more information about these beautiful little bridges, check out the above-mentioned guide at http://www.bedfordcounty.net/cvrbridg.htm

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was in pooring rain that I did see a movie about bridges together with less than ten other people at an open air cinema back home in Germany.
Glad you had much better weather to take those pictures about autumn, the season I do miss so much over here in Greece.
All the very best for you and a wonderful weekend as well.

kathryn said...

Oh, lovely photos...as always! We also have an old covered bridge not far from my house....you have to go very s-l-o-w-l-y as well, only room for 1 car...big production, but so sweet.

YES, you MUST go back and capture the plants in the ice! Please.

Lynn said...

Robert: Betcha wished you had a covered bridge to take cover under! Thanks for stopping by--and you have a great weekend also.

Kathryn: Covered bridges were completely new to me when I moved here, and I love them! They're so rustic and cute.

And I'll go out tomorrow--just for you. The ice only lasted one day a month ago, but now they've thawed out and are telling the world that they're ready to reproduce!. They certainly don't know how to be subtle about such a private matter... ;o)

S1nnerman said...

Hi, love the photographs!

Lynn said...

Thanks, Sinnerman. Just checked your blog. Your macro stuff is amazing! I sooo have lens envy!

Jen said...

I love old farm equipment. There is some at the barn where I keep my horse and I keep meaning to take some pictures of them. You may have just inspired me.

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

I love covered bridges; like a blast from the past.
Great shots!

Carly said...

the covered bridge is beautiful!