Old or new?

After all of the drama in Franklin, finding our 14th and 15th bridges were a walk in the park. We went to the Squam River (#65) and the Smith Millennium (#44).  Both are fairly new bridges, but have NH Historical numbers.  I did learn today that in order to be in the National Register of Historic Places, they must be 50 years old.  I am still not sure how NH registers its bridges.

We left Franklin and headed to Little Squam in Ashland.  This was an easy find. Well marked and right off the main road, this bridge was uneventful compared to the adventure in Franklin.

It is fairly small with a sidewalk on one side.

This is the first bridge we have seen that is near a lake.  It was really pretty with Little Squam on one side and a marina on the other side.

Gorgeous day!

It was cute and easy to walk through.  Pretty standard bridge at this point.  It has a nice history.  This bridge was built in 1990.  A previous bridge needed replacing. The state wanted a two lane steel bridge, but the town of Ashland and the historical society raised money for this one lane bridge.  It cost $200,000 and well worth it in my opinion!

On our way north to the Smith Millennium (#44), a bridge that has been a part of my life for as long I can remember.

 
Five bridges have crossed the Baker River in this location.  The last one burnt down in a fire on April 16,1993.This new bridge was built in 2001. 

This bridge has a swimming hole beneath it that my parents, aunts, and uncles swam in when they were younger.  My aunt jumped off the Smith back in the day.

Rope swing

This is the first bridge that we have been able to walk under.  The water was really low after the hot week we had.

We will be back here soon too.

Another reason why this might be my favorite bridge is the truss on this one.  Another arch!

Summer is here.   :)