November 9, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
You might miss something
Do you see it?
Since I have hurt my feet, legs, and knees so much, I pay attention to every step I take so I don’t trip on something or step in a hole.
Looking down allows me to see what I might otherwise miss.
Like in the photo above.
Now do you see it?
I believe this is a brown anole. But I can’t be certain.
Take time to be still and listen when exploring outside. You never know what you might miss otherwise.
November 8, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie
A photo story of four covered bridges in Alabama
There are currently eleven historic covered bridges remaining in the state of Alabama. Of those, six remain at their original locations. We found four of them today.
Clarkson Covered Bridge
The Clarkson Covered Bridge was constructed in 1904 and was used by farmers and travelers to cross Crooked Creek. Today it is closed to vehicle traffic.
It was destroyed by a flood in 1921 and rebuilt the next year. It is located in Cullman, Alabama. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Horton Mill Covered Bridge
The Horton Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1934. It is 220 feet long and spans the Little Warrior River. It is also closed to vehicle traffic.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
You can walk across the bridge, or drive the road around to the backside.
I’m so glad we found these bridges while we were out exploring.
The Horton Mill Covered Bridge is located in Oneonta, Alabama.
Easley Covered Bridge
The Easley Covered Bridge was built in 1927. It is a wood and metal combination-style covered bridge that spans the Dub Branch of the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River in Blount County, Alabama.
After being closed for repairs in 2009, it was reopened to single-lane traffic in 2012. We drove across it to continue on to the last bridge on the list. It creaked a little, but we made it safe and sound.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Swann Covered Bridge
The Swann Covered Bridge was built in 1933 over a scenic gorge of the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River.
It is 324 feet long making it the longest covered bridge existing in Alabama.
The Swann Covered Bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The metal bridge structures built today do not need protection from the elements, so they no longer need to be covered. Wooden covered bridges became obsolete because most were single-lane, had low width and height clearances, and could not support the heavy loads of modern traffic.
Old wooden covered bridges are a thing of the past.
