Saturday, July 27, 2013

Orange You Glad We Love Bridges (Or Covered Bridges of the OC)

Now that it is the middle of July, it is time to check off a few more counties.  So one Saturday morning, we headed out to VT to cross Orange County off our list.

As we made our way up to 89 to the Green Mountain State.  This blogger's bladder got a little full.  Hydration is very important when exploring bridges in the summer.  So our first stop of the day was the Sharon Welcome Center.  Sharon took its job seriously.  This turned out to be a welcome palace!

Natalie, ever the navigator, views the large map of VT at the entrance to the Welcome Palace.

Not only were there bathrooms, a bake sale, and hot dogs, there was also a large greenhouse.  

The plants in here were nourished by the waste from the toilets in the rest area.   Way to go green!

This plaque reminded us of the simple beauty of VT.  

Now it was time to see some bridges!  
We rolled through the Vermont Countryside, passed the Joseph Smith Birthplace and the Howe.  Both of which, we visited in April.  It was nice to have some familiarity with the landscape and geography.  

As we rolled along through Tunbridge, there we found the Cilley!  The Cilley has a new roof that was given to it in 2002.

The First Branch of the White River flows under the Cilley.

This bridge was surrounded by beautiful views of farmlands.  

This bridge has kept watch over Howe Lane since 1883.  
Resting on a nearby guardrail, we found someone's cellphone case.  They had listed all of their important numbers inside the case, JIC.  So if you dropped your case at the Cilley, it is still there.  
Proof that Natalie was at the Cilley.  


Next stop, South Royalton!

Here we came into a cute downtown area and found the Mill Bridge.


We saw a familiar warning and fine.

Apparently dog bones are important to some troubled youth in South Royalton. 

Natalie was excited by the windows on this bridge!

Sadly, we will never learn who donated the Mill Bridge sign...

This view shows the cute hanging buckets that were on both sides of the bridge.  

We also were impressed that Orange County labelled their bridges.

The slates in the bridge made it appear that there was lighting from under the bridge.  There wasn't.

A view of the First Branch of the White River.


The next bridge was the Flint in Tunbridge.  
Rumor has it they are thinking of tearing it down because it needs to have some repairs done.  

So, we obviously proceeded with caution.  

Natalie identified this shaky board.  Watch your step!

Such a cute little window!  

Another bridge over the First Branch White River!

Another well marked bridge!  Good job, OC!

Check out the unusual truss system.  My sources tell me that it is a modified/combination Kingpost and Queenpost truss.

Another repair that might have to happen on the Flint.

The water is too fast for a swim on this day.  Plus, we  more bridges to cover.  

Presenting the Larkin.  I think it could be a Christmas Card or Post Card Bridge.  It is just too cute and the grass is perfectly green!

The Larkin is also located in Tunbridge.  

The residents of Tunbridge  take care of their bridge.  We enjoyed these charming flowers in the hanging baskets.  

Interesting truss work here.  I think important notices once hung on this slab of wood.

Oh no!  Someone left their old beer bottle here.  I think someday they might be looking for it.  

Surprise, surprise the First Branch White River.  

Another identified covered bridge!  

Our next stop was the Moxley Bridge.  

This bridge was built in 1883.

Wow, OC! You are good with these labels.  It makes life easier!  Thanks!

Another combination modified queenpost truss and kingpost truss system.

These bolts reminded me of acorn tops.  

There was a babbling stream leading into the First Branch White River.  


While in the beautiful country setting an antique car drove by us.  

We had the opportunity to wet our feet in the river below.  

A rabbit must have also enjoyed the rushing water.  

Another charming bridge!

Natalie getting stuck in the mud.  Careful!  It is tricky terrain!

Next stop in Tunbridge...The Braley!
This bridge was set on the boundary of a working farm.  We could hear the tractor from the bridge!

Take note of the multiple kingpost truss system.  



The view from the Braley.



The more you know...


Another cute bridge in Tunbridge.  

Rabbits love the CK Gifford!

Deer love the CK Gifford!

Ellen loves the CK Gifford!

A view from underneath the CK Gifford.

Natalie walking atop the CK Gifford.

Such a peaceful little bridge.  




The next bridge was a very inspirational bridge.  There was lots of fine literature posted on this bridge.  

The Kingsbury.

I loved the farm view from the Kingsbury.

The farm up close.  But that's not the inspirational part.  Prepare to be inspired....
*Parental guidance suggested* 

This fine poem was scribed onto the wall of the bridge.  I can just feel the emotion behind the poet.  

More quote worthy material.

I bet Hallmark comes here, when they are short on ideas.

Good thing we stopped here.  I learned so much and was touched on an emotional level in ways no other bridge have spoken to me.  

The next bridge was the Thetford Center Bridge.  
I enjoyed these flowers and the Boundary Line before we entered the bridge.  

The Thetford Center Bridge.

I thought this idea was brilliant!  Too bad someone jacked the ye olde flashlights.  This is why we can't have nice things...

It would have been a whole lot safer with flashlights.

Natalie was bitten by the bridge!  If only she had a flashlight, her elbow could have been safe!

We weren't the first bridge enthusiasts to stop here!

A view of the Ompompanoosuc River.

The plaque that hangs on the Thetford Center Bridge.  

Beautiful truss system!

Apparently I was not the only asthmatic to run through this bridge!

We had one final bridge of  Orange County.
The Union Village Bridge!

The bridge was restored in 2002.

This bridge has multiple kingpost truss with kingspost arches and supplemented with glue laminated stringers.  This isn't just any type of bridge! 
Another view of the truss system.

This bridge had screens in the windows to keep us safe!

There was a thermometer.  There are many times that I have been on a bridge and curious about how warm or cold it is.  Brilliant!

This bridge also had a fire alarm.  Take that arsonists!

Orange County was a great county to visit.  All of their bridges were charming and the majority of them were well labelled!  I highly recommend an afternoon in this county.

I would also like to thank this book for many of the facts I have learned about covered bridges.








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