What is it about bridges?

There is something rustic and romantic about old bridges. I don't need to wax overly poetic about such things, as I did in my last post, but i'll just say they make wonderful calendar covers. I'll fight the urge to put another one on next year's edition.

New Hampshire has a lot of covered bridges, too. Not as many as Pennsylvania. One thing New Hampshire does have, though, is the last remaining covered railroad bridge in America. It's known as Sulphite Bridge and can be found in Franklin. Built in the last years of the 19th century and used until 1973, it was damaged by arson in 1980. It's also known as the "Upside-Down Covered Bridge," since the main deck of the bridge was not used for transportation. Instead, the trusses were covered for protection and a railroad track was built on the roof!

Winnipesaukee River Trail Association

The bridge crosses the Winnipesaukee river where a thriving paper mill stood decades ago. Thanks to a successful rail trail conversion, the bridge and remnants of the mill can now be found near Trestle View Park, along the beautiful Winnipesaukee River Trail.

Because of the dense vegetation along the river, photo opportunities are a bit hard to come by. That is, unless you're a tiny bit crazy, and are willing to risk life and limb (or a wet shoe) by climbing down embankments to whack some bushes and balance on slippery rocks.

And, I couldn't think of anything more fun to do on a gorgeous afternoon.