frogs , skip stones , and make short stops to kiss a date . This changed in adulthood when views of covered bridges sparked childhood memories and an appreciation for the architectural beauty of these old wooden structures that now seem to bring a smile .
Several years ago we learned of an annual festival that celebrates an Indiana county ’ s 31 covered bridges . After pausing our travels during the pandemic , we finally got off the dime in October and drove north to enjoy the festival . It was somewhat cool and windy , but the sunlight on bright foliage brought back memories of our early years living in the Midwest .
Parke County , Indiana , west of Indianapolis on U . S . 36 , once claimed 51½ covered bridges , with the half representing the eastern portion of a covered bridge spanning the Wabash River into neighboring Vermillion County . Parke County ’ s unusual collection of covered bridges resulted from being crisscrossed by numerous creeks with relatively steep banks . The many bridges that remain and continue to delight
Picturesque Bridgeton Bridge was rebuilt in 2006 to replace the original 1860 bridge destroyed by arson in 2005 .
March 2023 | Valdosta Scene 19