Welcome to the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge!
It was hot, everyone was miserable and cranky, so we took a short drive to see the covered bridge on Smith Rapids. Just to the south of the bridge is a campground, a unique one that I will post about another time.
It was hot, everyone was miserable and cranky, so we took a short drive to see the covered bridge on Smith Rapids. Just to the south of the bridge is a campground, a unique one that I will post about another time.The Grands that were with us had not ever seen the bridge before and thought we were teasing them when we told them there was a wooden covered bridge that we could drive right through in the middle of the woods.
Sy was in amazement as he checked out the underside construction, trying to figure out just how it stood there unsupported over the water. His Daddy explained.
It took a lot of pine to construct this bridge in 1991, but pine forests are very plentiful around here. We are on the dirt road that leads to the bridge. There are miles and miles of stands of pine, most of which were planted 35-40 years ago by the high school students of which I was one. You are looking at part of the national forest land that the trees were taken from, to construct this fabulous sight.
The specs on this sign give some idea as to the engineering of this project of which my cousin's wife was the chief advisor. She is rightfully, very proud of this bridge and it's success. It will last for hundreds of years so long as it is maintained.
From downstream, it is a sight to see. Imagine kayaking or canoeing, rounding the bend and finding this marvel to glide under in sheer awe of it all.
It's difficult to see by these photos, but the water is very rapid as it passes by.
Our curious Grandson, could not help but climb higher for a better look.
The shadows make each timber seem alive, as if they were moving with the water.
The roof and ceiling show how this bridge was built to last many, many moons.
The underside is also testament to the strength of construction. This is truly a marvel, and a beautiful one, at that.
It is gorgeous outside...
inside,
and as we drive through.
Sy was in amazement as he checked out the underside construction, trying to figure out just how it stood there unsupported over the water. His Daddy explained.
It took a lot of pine to construct this bridge in 1991, but pine forests are very plentiful around here. We are on the dirt road that leads to the bridge. There are miles and miles of stands of pine, most of which were planted 35-40 years ago by the high school students of which I was one. You are looking at part of the national forest land that the trees were taken from, to construct this fabulous sight. 
The specs on this sign give some idea as to the engineering of this project of which my cousin's wife was the chief advisor. She is rightfully, very proud of this bridge and it's success. It will last for hundreds of years so long as it is maintained.
From downstream, it is a sight to see. Imagine kayaking or canoeing, rounding the bend and finding this marvel to glide under in sheer awe of it all.
It's difficult to see by these photos, but the water is very rapid as it passes by.
Our curious Grandson, could not help but climb higher for a better look.
The shadows make each timber seem alive, as if they were moving with the water.
The roof and ceiling show how this bridge was built to last many, many moons.
The underside is also testament to the strength of construction. This is truly a marvel, and a beautiful one, at that.
It is gorgeous outside...
inside, 
and as we drive through.It is always such a thrill to take the family where they have not been before and watch as their eyes show their amazement. As Andy explained to Sy how the bridge was built, and how long it will last, we could see in his eyes that there is going to be a day when our grandson will bring his own family here someday.
That's what it's all about.
Hope you enjoyed the tour of the covered bridge. If you ever get to Price County, WI, look it up. You will not be disappointed. Next stop, Madison County, Iowa...oh I was dreaming again.
BlessYourHearts
21 comments:
Dar,
Thanks for the beautiful tour of the covered bridge. One of my favorite movies of all time is The bridges of Madison county- Such a beautiful story and the cinematography is gorgeous.The bridge is such a wonderful piece of history. Loved the stone work underneath your bridge.
Have a lovely weekend.
Regards,
Anna
Wonderful photos of this beautiful covered bridge. It really is a "marvel". I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the bridge and the history behind it. The stands of pines are magnificent.
Like kids like boxes and little tunnels to climb in and through, I am like that about Covered bridges. We will definitely put this on the schedule of our next trip up that direction. Yes it will last a hundred years if maintained. It was a great idea, who ever dreamed it up. and the engineering was a wonder, looking at the underside girders and beams.
Thanks for the post, love it.
It is nice that Sy knows his limits, he is a wonderful boy. The enthusiasm and interest allowed to roam in a boys head is wonderful.
Take care, From jsut above Kirksville, mo. where Sherry gave birth to our second son.
(We go down tomorrow and see if they will take him back!) LOL
I love covered bridges. There are a few of them here in California. I have visited most of them here.
I love the bridge Dar. you pics are beautiful. ZThe make me a little homesick for the midwest. I'll be heading toMichigan in a few weeks. Just for a visit with family.
Thanks for stopping by my blog & your kind words. Broc (short for Broccoli) is a unique fellow too. He trys hard to talk, & has more sounds than any cat I've ever known. I really love him, he's my buddy.
The machine quilting is something I've been doing for about 15 yrs now. You could take a class some time & learn too! It just takes practice!
Oh I did enjoy this
does it have a nice smell of pine?
it almost looks like a church building
how many cars pas over it in a day/week/month?
Dar, that bridge is really beautiful!!! The construction always amazes me. How wonderful that you were part of the replanting effort after the bridge was built!!
I have visited covered bridges in Iowa and Oregon.
Wonderful shots of the covered bridge. I love the shot of the pine trees too. It would be nice to be canoeing under that bridge. Have a great day!
Thanks for the beautiful trip through (and around) the covered wooden bridge. You are wonderful parents and grandparents continually teaching, continually making memories for your offspring. Bless your hearts!
Covered bridges are pretty awesome. that one looks almost like one I seen down near Gettysburg PA.
Whitetail Woods Blog / Muzzleloader Testing
We stopped there last year. Love that bridge! Your shots of it are great.
I lost track of how I got to your blog but what a nice discovery! Love the photos of the covered bridge - need to check that out later this fall...we are also in North central Wisconsin.
Have a good week and drop by when you have a moment.
I LOVEEEEE all your pics of the bridge & I love covered bridges!!! Living in CA it wasn't easy, but my hubby & I took a car trip to Ohio & 1 of our stops was Madison County. Just awesome, you will adore it & the little town of Winterset is so charming. Thanks for bringing back some of my favorite memories friend!
Smiles,
Susie
Hey There, Just checking in on you since I haven't heard from you in a couple of days... You must be very busy.... Hope things are fine...
Love the covered bridge... i have a 'thing' for covered bridges---along with other things like waterfalls, etc... ha ha
Hugs,
Betsy
Oh, how I love covered bridges! They seem so amazing and special. We have one nearby where we have a second home in Northern CA.
I am having a give-away. Stop-by. I have been blogging for a year now! Fun...
Cory/Dogwood
Dar ~ checking in to see if your computer got fixed yet. Doesn't look like it.
What a beautifully crafted bridge.
What an amazing piece of construction.
Really enjoyed the tour of the bridge. Great set of pictures to go with it too.
Hello Dar,
On a visit to the States I have seen the covered bridges in New England (New Hampshire?) and was most impressed with their beauty and craftsmanship.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
I loved all the photos of the covered bridge. :)
I hope you have a good week Dar!
What is it about a covered bridge that makes it so magnificent? I adore covered bridge!! I have only been able to see one in person so far. Thank you for sharing!!
*hugs*deb
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