OK, so being the procrastinator, I waited until the end of the month to actually take my photos. That being said, I knew from the beginning what I was going to do … I just needed to decide how to do it.
A quick side note — when I finally got to doing this, something is wrong with my 17-40 mm lens. It won’t focus — even manually. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do this with a zoom lens, so I decided to get a bit artsy and use my Diana lens for all of these shots, which is why you’ll see that “dreamy” look to all of them — the older, plastic lens sort of idea. I like how they came out, too, so it made this even more fun.
Anyway, back to scheduled programming…
I’m a covered bridge nut.
For those of you who don’t live around or haven’t seen covered bridges, I feel for you. After all, these are some amazing structures. If you get the chance to see them one day — especially older historical ones — they are worth checking out and exploring a little.
I am lucky enough to have several in my area, all of which are historical. There are three within 30 minutes of me, with a fourth about 60 minutes or so. There are more than 20 historical covered bridges in New York, but I’m not sure of the exact number at this time. A couple of years ago, there were 24, but when Irene came through, it took out at least Blenheim, and there’s a chance one other was taken, too. That one is on private property, however, so I’m not sure.
These bridges are a throwback to yesteryear. The basis behind the covered bridges is they lasted longer because the roof protects the wooden bridge. There’s an old tale that it also helped farmers as having cows cross bridges with tops was easier. I’ve not seen that printed too much, so that might just be something that used to be said.
Anyway, these bridges are pretty amazing. The way they are built and how they stand are pretty amazing.
What I decided to do was deal with just one of the local bridges and take images from different angles, in and out. This is Fitch’s Bridge, which spans the West Branch of the Delaware River on the outskirts of Delhi. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, the bridge was built in 1870 and moved to its current location in 1885. In 2001, the bridge received a massive restoration and it still stands strong today.
Without further adieu, here are my five photos for June.
1. One Lane Bridge
I love this view of Fitch’s Bridge, though it’s better other times of the year. I took one during the winter a few years ago and it’s still one of my favorite images of this bridge.
One lane.
2. Five Dollars Fine
I love these old signs on the covered bridges. And I always like trying to catch when people walk through the bridge as the silhouette is a cool piece to a photo like this.
Five Dollar Fine.
3. Looking upstream
This is a view through one of the windows on Fitch’s Bridge, looking up the West Branch of the Delaware River.
Fantastic view.
4. Fitch’s Bridge
A view of the bridge from Back River Road.
Fitch’s Bridge.
5. Magnificent structure
Of all the covered bridges I’ve seen, Fitch’s Bridge is still my favorite.
Still the best.
And that’s my five for the month of June. I hope you enjoyed the series.
If you took part this month, make sure you link up below. And for those who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment and visit so we can continue to grow this challenge.
Don’t forget, too, to come back Monday and see the theme for July!
NOTE: I also set up a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog [at] gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook!
You always have such great bridge shots!
ErikaJean recently posted..Wordless Wednesday
I’ve never seen a covered bridge in person, but you make them look worth visiting. I like the hazy effect, even if it was forced upon you.
Wow! I’ve never heard of a covered bridge, so maybe we don’t have such a thing in the UK. The lens makes the photos look like paintings.
Babs recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge – Bridges
Very nice, P.J. I love covered bridges. We have several in the area here, too. In fact I included one in my collection of pics today. It really harkens back to another place and time. Peaceful. Nicely done.
nonamedufus recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge – June
These are beautiful. I like the look you came up with too. I have one covered bridge but it was painted and repaired to where it has lost it’s old romantic look. Thanks for hosting.
QMM
QMM recently posted..Photo Challenge for June-theme-bridges
Good stuff. I always love your covered bridge shots.
I have two photos I need to get today, if I can get to it.
MIke D recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge (May 2013): Night
Well, no wonder you chose this topic! I like all of your photos. Not too many covered bridges in my neck of the woods.
Such great pictures. There is just something so romantic about old covered bridges. Not too many of them are left nowadays.
Phil recently posted..Chill out with Handsome Dan’s snocones in NYC!
Very traditional route with your choices this month. This has been a very good month. I enjoyed this challenge as it allowed to think a little bit out of the box. Looking forward to next month’s challenge. Hopefully, I’ll be able to use some of my shots I take while camping in July.
Paul Myers recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge (June 2013): Bridges
I don’t know of any covered bridges around here, but your photos make me want to search out at least one to photograph. Sorry to read about your equipment problems. I just discovered last night that I have dust on the sensor of my not-quite-three-weeks-old Olympus OMD, something that never happened with my older Olympus cameras. I guess I’ll be learning about sensor maintenance this week. Good luck getting your lens back into good working condition.
Mrs. GeoK recently posted..Photo Blogging Challenge (June 2013) – Bridges
These are fabulous!! I love covered bridges but don’t have many around here. I love the coloring in these shots.
lisa recently posted..June photo challenge: Bridges
Sadly, I missed the challenge…but did get some photos of…a covered bridge this morning that I’ll be posting later today, even though I won’t officially be part of it. 🙁 Hope next month, I can catch up with your challenge.
Bryan G. recently posted..Facebook- & Twitter-free, 2 weeks a month
Nice shots, P.J. Those covered bridges are an endangered species. I’d read that a few were lost in VT over the last few years.
Mike recently posted..Bridges To Nowhere
Wonderful photos, PJ! We don’t have any covered bridges in Finland, but one day, I will make sure I get to see one.
Ziva recently posted..Bridges to Heaven