By Maureen Bonatch
Many of us might
find ourselves looking for a little magic in our lives when we begin to tire
from the same old same old and long for something…different. We might jump in
the car, or take a cross-country trip to sightsee or explore something old, or
new. Although sometimes, it can be as simple as looking a little closer to
discover what we’re missing in our own ‘backyard’.
Covered Bridges
I’ve lived in the
same area all my life, so it would seem that I’ve seen all there is to see,
while actually I tend to take for granted, or overlook, what’s right under my
nose. Granted, these places are not actually in my backyard, but often
things not too far away if you’re looking.
Psst—check out this post when I discussed a visit
to Buttermilk Falls.
Recently, I went on
a long, backwoods drive with my hubby as he reminisced about the places he hadn’t
visited for many years since his youth. While driving we came across a few of
the covered bridges in our area. I’ve visited most of them at some point, but
never thought much about it. They’ve always been there—obviously since they’re
well over a hundred years old.
This prompted our discussion
of how our county has 4 covered bridges, and Pennsylvania has 219 of the 1,600
remaining covered bridges—the most of any state. So what I might take for
granted, many have never seen in person. Most covered bridges are fairly isolated
which leaves them subject to vandalism, and many deteriorated from neglect and
the high cost of restoration.
The picture is of
the Trusal bridge. The oldest in our county, built in 1870. Of the four in our
county, the only one that can still be
driven across the Thomas bridge—which we drove across that day, although I
neglected to take a photo.
What’s Magical about a Covered Bridge?
Well, besides, hello?
The Bridges of Madison County , if you’re looking
for romance (which features the Roseman Covered Bridge in Iowa).
When I’m deep in the
woods walking or biking, it usually starts my muse to wandering and contributes
to many of my stories.
Although I don’t write historical, when I look at these historic structures it inspires my imagination to make me feel as if I'm time-traveling back to a simpler time. Just like magic.
P.S. We also drove
by a home that had once raised buffalo when my husband was young, and they
still do. Although the buffalo were at the top of the hill so I couldn't get a picture, it was fun to see
them from afar.
P.P.S. Although I’ve
been to nearby Punxsutawney many times, and I've seen Phil’s home, I’ve never
participated in the Groundhog Day festivities. Maybe one year I’ll add that to
my list of exploring the magic available in my own backyard. Especially since
Phil seems to be true to his word this year with an early spring.
What’s in Your Backyard?
Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in
small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat
pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading
paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and
laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter
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