May 9, 2020 – Fitzgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge – Connecticut

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Blackwell Brook/Fitzgerald Covered Bridge in Brooklyn, Connecticut.  This covered bridge was just built in 2010 repairing the original bridge which was was constructed in 1986.  The Bridge crosses the Blackwell Brook, and is said to be the only one in Northeastern Connecticut.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Fitgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge.  We found the Bridge in a gorgeous residential area, the Brook rushing below.  The Bridge was in a quiet location, providing the ability to walk under and check out the views from the windows.  We did see numerous trespassing signs so were not able to take a photograph from the Brook.  However we enjoyed the peaceful oasis and snapped some photographs from the ends, and under the Bridge.  So glad we could visit the Fitzgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge today (Rating:  4).

 

 

May 2, 2020 – Waterloo Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

The Waterloo Covered Bridge is in Warner, New Hampshire. The Waterloo Covered Bridge was built in 1840, but was later replaced. The Bridge crosses the Warner River.

We had a river-filled Adventure to the Waterloo Covered Bridge.  I was pleased to find the bridge in a quiet location.  The Bridge was especially scenic from scenic side-view, yet simple from the end.  We found a trail next to the bridge, appearing to run between two rivers.  Conveniently a local was walking through noting the trail to be a lovely trail that commenced at another road.  We decided to explore this unexpected path.  The trail was still brown from winter, but yet unique and provided several opportunities to get to the water’s edge.  This was a nice little surprise on our Adventure to the Waterloo Covered Bridge.

After returning to the bridge we crossed through and over to the opposite side.  It has been some time since we have been able to wander through a bridge, due to the often busy and dangerous trek.  On this occasion we were able to peer out the openings down the river and snap a couple photos.  The opposite side had a small grassy area, and a rushing cascade (suspected to be Waterloo Falls), generating a lovely scene.  Wilma glanced down the cascades, and again appeared curious by the water, so fun to observe.  The Waterloo Covered Bridge was peaceful, and just right.  Definitely a special covered bridge in New Hampshire (Rating:  4).

 

December 7, 2019 – Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge/Cresson Bridge – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge, also known as the Cresson Bridge.  The Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge is located in Swanzey, New Hampshire and crosses the Ashuelot River.  It was originally built in 1771, and later rebuilt in 1859.  It is one of the bridges located on the Ashuelot Rail Trail.

We had a deja-vu type of Adventure to the Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge.  In researching several covered bridges I had noted that there were several in Swanzey, all bright red in color.  The Sawyer’s Crossing Covered bridge was one of the two I chose to explore.  We arrived, again pleased to see the parking lot was plowed, the location covered with fresh snow.  We dove over the plowed bank, and wandered over to the bridge to snap some photographs, and yes some more practice for our Christmas card.  The River was still at this location, and the bridge smooth, versus the lattice style of the Denman Thompson Bridge.  We walked along the shore, again cautious to get too close and end up over the snow covered edge.  The bridge was located in a quiet residential area, and was quite scenic.  We walked up to the sign near the front of the bridge, but traffic was observed to be too dangerous to attempt a walk through the bridge.  There were some snow covered picnic benches nearby.  It was a short but pleasant visit to the Sawyer’s Covered Bridge.  I recall few snow covered Adventures to covered bridges, and our Adventures to these two lovely bridges definitely did not disappoint (Rating:  4).

 

December 7, 2019 – Denman Thompson/West Swanzey Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Denman Thompson/West Swanzey Bridge in Swanzey, New Hampshire.  The Denman Thompson Covered Bridge was built in 1832 and crosses the Ashuelot River.  The Bridge permits one-vehicle travel, and has a walkway on one side.  There is a small park and picnic area adjacent to the Bridge.

We had a snow-filled Adventure to the Denman Thompson Covered Bridge.  I was excited to visit a new covered bridge, the weekend after our first snow storm.  I was pleased to see the parking area was plowed so we could safely leave our car and explore.  We immediately heading to the Bridge.  The snow was deep, adding an interesting aspect to our exploring. The scene was beautiful, the snow covered the park and bridge, while the River water flowed steadily.  The Bridge was adorned with Christmas lights, and a wreath to celebrate the season.  I was cautious to not get too close to the edge of the Park, unclear where the slope began and the water started.  We posed for a bit and enjoyed the Winter wonderland.

After exploring the side of the Bridge we sauntered up to the sidewalk, and strolled under and through the Bridge.  I appreciate finding a bridge that contains a walkway, providing safe travel under.  There was a lovely view from the Bridge down the River.  The location was peaceful and had little traffic.  After observing the sites we made our way back to the River’s edge to snap a few more photographs.  As you can see below we are practicing for our annual Christmas card, although I did save some of my favorites for a future post.  Definitely a gorgeous New England Bridge (Rating:  4).

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Throwback Adventure – Coburn Covered Bridge – Vermont

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In February 2019 Shadow and I Adventured to the Coburn Covered Bridge in Montpelier, Vermont.  The Coburn Covered Bridge was built in 1851 and crosses the Winooski River.  It is the only bridge in Montpelier.

We had a brown Adventure to the Coburn Covered Bridge.  The Bridge was one of our many stops on the way to our main destination.  Absolutely nothing about this Bridge was memorable, although I guess it is generally not fair to judge anything in the winter of New England.  The landscape was dry, the Bridge cracking, and the River still.  On a good note it was nice to find a bridge away from the business of a neighborhood, in a quiet country location.  We were still glad we could to visit the Coburn Covered Bridge (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

 

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October 20, 2019 – Red Covered Bridge – Vermont

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about.  We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred.  However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share.  I now will continue our Vermont Adventures from the weekend…in no particular order.

This past weekend Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Red Covered Bridge in Morristown, Vermont.  The Red Covered Bridge was built in 1896 and crosses the Sterling Brook.  It is approximately 64 feet in length, and is located in a rural section of town.

We had a lovely visit to the Red Covered Bridge.  I was so excited to find a “Red” Bridge although little did I know there would be two red colored bridges on our adventures.  I had located this bridge on our tourist map, and although the map was not quite as detailed as I would have hoped, we still were able to locate this bridge.  We discovered the Red Covered Bridge on a quiet dirt road, away from the hustle and bustle of town.  As expected it was bright red in color, and crossed high above a gorge, encompassing the Sterling Brook River.  We romped around for a bit making sure to view each perspective.  The surrounding landscaping was a bit dull, although there were some autumnal orange foliage nearby.  We were so glad to visit the official Red Covered Bridge (Rating:  4)

 

October 19, 2019 – Brookdale Bridge – Vermont

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about.  We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred.  However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share.  I now will continue our Vermont Adventures from the weekend…in no particular order.

This past weekend Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Brookdale Bridge in Stowe, Vermont.  (Also referred to as the Brook Road or White Caps Bridge).  The Brookdale Bridge is a “stringer” covered bridge, therefore labeling it a “non-authentic” covered bridge due to its structural system.  The Brookdale Bridge crosses the West Branch Waterbury River.

We had a fun Adventure to the Brookdale Bridge, ending the first day of our Fall getaway.  I found the Brookdale Bridge after studying a tourist map that we had obtained along the way.  The map was easy to follow, guiding us down Brook Road, and directly to the Bridge.  The Brookdale Bridge was small in scale, and rustic red in hue.  We followed the adjacent Stowe Recreation Path briefly, before heading off the trail over to the River’s edge.  The location was peaceful, not a soul in site.  Shadow and Wilma enjoyed exploring, and posed grandly for some photographs  And although my research later indicated that the Brookdale Bridge was not an official covered bridge, I still could not resist sharing our Adventure to the Brookdale Bridge (Rating:  4).

 

July 29, 2019 – Thetfield Center Covered Bridge and the Covered Bridge Falls/Thetfield Center Falls – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Thetfield Center Covered Bridge, and the Covered Bridge Falls in Thetfield Center, Vermont.  The Thetfield Center Covered Bridge crosses the  Ompompanoosuc River.  It frames the Covered Bridge Falls, also referred to as the Thetfield Center Falls.  The Falls is a cascade falls approximately twenty five feet in height.

We had a picturesque Adventure to the Thetfield Center Covered Bridge.  The Bridge and Falls were the first stop on our day of Adventures in Vermont.  We parked along the bridge and hopped out to take some photographs.  It was challenging to get good views of the bridge , quite simple, and somewhat dull in appearance.  However we sauntered to the other side and back, attempting to peer down the River.  As we were finishing our visit, someone driving through told us about a side trail to enable water views of the bridge.  I was quite thrilled at this information.  We jumped in the car and drove enthusiastically past the River and down to the left where we found a parking area for a “trailhead” and located the path to the River.

The trail was short with some uneven spots.  We soon arrived at the rocks, and were pleasantly surprised at a completely different perspective.  The Thetfield Center Falls flowed below the Bridge into the Ompompanoosuc River.  It was a a lovely picture, rusty colored bridge, blue sky, and rushing water.  Shadow immediately located a pool of water for a dip, while I jumped around the rocks with Wilma, heading a bit closer for a close-up.  The rocks were quite slippery, but somehow I managed to catch myself before almost crashing on several occasions.  It was astonishing to see this location was actually the same bridge.  We spent time photographing, and appreciating the moments.  I think the Thetfield Center Bridge (side-view) was one of my favorite bridges.  So thankful for a kind stranger to give us this tip (Rating:  4.5).

 

July 1, 2019 – Ware – Hardwick Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge in Gilbertville, Massachusetts.  The Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge was built in the 1800s.  It spans the Ware River, and is one of the few original covered bridges in the state.

We had a fun Adventure to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge.  We had just finished a walk at Dunn State Park in Gardener Massachusetts.  Dunn State Park is a small, and simple park yet quite pretty.  I decided not to blog about Dunn State Park today as I have done so previously, however you can read this blog at:  https://wp.me/p9RZ48-1s6, or by typing it directly into the search box.   (This is my first attempt at linking a direct website to an individual blog so bear with me if it is not successful on this first try.)

We arrived at the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge to find parking a bit limited so my Mom and I took turns walking through and along the Bridge.  We were also able to wander down to the waters edge to take some photographs and enjoy the sounds of the rushing River. The Bridge was especially lovely from the side with a colorful wood grained panel framing the top of the lattice windows.  The red front did not appear to match the style of the side, however added some bright color to the structure.  We sauntered back and forth, pleased to see minimal vehicle traffic and no other visitors.  A short but nice visit to the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge today (Rating:  3)