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

Day 38: Frosty Patch

Ever have a day when you feel it would have probably been best just to sleep in, grab a book, and generally not do anything that requires brainwork because of chances of malfunction?  Well, today is one of those days--and it's only half over!

Every Friday I take an hour long drive to Bedford  for a regular appointment.  The drive has been absolutely beautiful the last few weeks with all the trees putting on a gloreous Autumn show.  I always (OK--mostly) have at least my point-and-shoot along just in case I see something for my photo of the day, and today I was so proud to have brought my DSLR--my baby--along with as well.

Pride cometh before the fall.

To get to my appointment, I drive over a mountain.  OK--in my BC world, it's a hill on steroids, but here in PA--a mountain.  It's always cooler along the ridge, and last night there was a bit of freezing rain, and this morning every twig and piece of grass and plant was covered in ice.  So I turned around. parked, and reached for my good camera.

Only to discover that the memory card was safely and uselessly lying at home beside my computer.

Luckily, I had the point and shoot, but the pictures aren't nearly as sharp. Fog, early morning, and a gentle but persistent misty rain all conspired with my point and shoot to give me busy shots.

Ah well.  Here they are:

On the way back, I always pass this little spot.  Today I saw it, parked, ran back in the rain, and took a picture.  Maybe next week there still will be leaves and it will be brighter and everything will be beautiful and...and...oh phooey.  At least I have this:

I won't go into leaving 20 minutes early for the appointment in case of freezing rain, making pretty good time until missing the turn (not sure how--I was daydreaming, obviously), and driving 10 miles out of the way before thinking, "We're not in Kansas anymore.  Or maybe we are--I usually don't drive by cornfields on the way to Bedford." Long story short, I left 20 minutes early and arrived ten minutes late.

Yup. Halfzheimers and I are getting aquainted.