At a point in the heat index I slip into survival mode…scheduling my outdoors tasks and journeys to occur in the coolest part of the day and ensuring no wasted time. These days even our dog, Maggie, who normally is at the back yard fence checking out every little sound or movement in the neighborhood, seldom moves from the sunroom, which is air conditioned. I can only imagine how oppressive this heat and humidity has been for those in the mid-west who have been dealing with it for over a month now — my heart goes out to them.
These images are of Pisgah Covered Bridge over the west fork of the Little River within the boundaries of the Uwharrie National Forest in Randolph County, NC. It was originally built in 1911 and has survived years of vandalism and in 2003 a devastating flood. At one time there was 60 historic covered bridges in Randolph County along, now there are only two remaining in all of North Carolina.
Bonnie and I happened upon this bridge while out for a ride of no set destination one Sunday afternoon — a good find. I’ve visited the other NC covered bridge on several occasions.
Have a good weekend everyone.
I have always found these covered bridges of yours fascinating, there are not to be found elsewhere to my knowledge. The stones that builds the foundation looks very even in size and form, indeed a very well built construction, able to withstand a flood apparently.
It’s hard to understand vandals, why do someone has to break something precious like this, when there’s so much else that no one would miss if damaged or even destroyed. But I guess that’s the point.
Have a good weekend you too.
Ove, thanks. I don’t understand vandals either. I often think their acts probably stem from a need to be recognized or heard. Perhaps in some cases it’s simply anger at the perceived establishment. It’s a shame they can’t channel their energies into more productive paths.
I, too, love these kinds of bridges, Earl. Like lighthouses, they’re relics from the past. When they’re all gone, we’ll have lost a great deal. There’s a number of them in New England – mostly in Vermont. With the mountains as background, they can be very photogenic (especially in the fall).
Paul, you’re right it’s much like my feelings about lighthouses. I lived for a short while in Vermont, many years ago, and always enjoyed the covered bridges there. The covered bridge is part of Vermont…tourist attractions. Here in NC they are only saved by the grace of some of the historical societies or parks.
I enjoy seeing images of these bridges. We do not have them out here in Colorado, so when I was living in Columbus I tried to find a couple of them near where I lived. However, they had moved them off the road and had them set up off to the side of the road. After that, I just did not look any further. These are good images as the light in both of them is tricky.
Monte, this bridge is in it’s original location but the road and newer bridge that replaced it is about a 50-100 feet “up the river or creek” from it…you can see some of the guard rail of the new road in the first photo. They’ve turned the covered bridge into a small park with nature trail and picnic tables.
With the rich textures so beautifully done, these are lovely photos of pieces of history. It will, indeed, be sad when they are all gone. The mention of the vandalism is painful. If only those people put half that energy into making something.
Anita, thanks! I hope these last two in NC will be preserved. The other still standing covered bridge is not far from where I was raised. I remember my mom and aunt taking us kids to it on occasion during the summer so we could play in the stream it crossed and have a picnic. Good memories.
As Paul noted, Vermont has an abundance of covered bridges, and we tried to explore them whenever we visited. There is an undeniable charm about them and they make good photo ops for any photographer. These are lovely.
Ken, yeah they are a piece of Americana. Thanks!
I have been hearing about the heat wave back home while in California. On the North Coast we were enjoying a constant 60 degrees nearly every day. Certainly a big difference to be back home now. At least it is not the 103 deg. that was here in Detroit yesterday.
Mark, it sounds like you had some nice temperatures for your North Coast getaway. I hope you had a great time and that there were good photo opportunities as well as just some couple time. Welcome back to the pressure cooker. :-)
Whenever I see a covered bridge, I always think of the movie ‘Bridges of Madison County” from back in the day. I don’t remember much about the movie itself, but I do remember the cover. Hopefully this bridge will stand the test of time Earl, glad you captured history just in case…
Nik, I’ve never seen that movie. My wife says it’s great but my masculine red flags keep going off. :-)
This is such a fine bridge to find and shoot. Excellent images and informative description. I feel for those in the extremely hot areas.
Hey Don, thanks.
That looks like a beautiful place to go for a walk. I like the contrast between the weathered silvery quality of the wood and the round stones in the foundation of the bridge… wonderful!