Over the River and Through the Woods…

Over the River and Through the Woods…

These days, whenever possible, we eschew the interstate highways. We prefer the back roads, the roads less traveled. Small rural towns and old farmsteads are preferable to the endless parade of eighteen wheelers and billboards. Serendipity may be waiting around the next curve.

The Horton Mill Covered Bridge

For example, while exploring secondary roads around Oneonta in northern Alabama, we discovered the Horton Mill Covered Bridge. Built in 1934, it spans the Calvert Prong of the Little Warrior River and the setting is spectacular. We had the place to ourselves. The day was warm and beautiful with the last vestiges of fall clinging to the trees.  The  rushing stream below and occassional bird song were the only sounds. We drove over the bridge, twice. And then on to discover the Easly and Swan Covered Bridges. In all, there are eleven covered bridges still in existence in Alabama, but none along the interstate highways.

 

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

This Post Has 17 Comments

  1. Gorgeous landscapes. Thanks for sharing.

  2. America’s interstate highways must be some of the most boring roads in the world. Getting off of them is always a great idea!

    1. You are so right. They are efficient, but boring. Hope things are ironing for you. Thanks Cathy.

  3. You definitely discovered a beautiful place.

    1. Thanks Colline. Had no idea they even existed. It was a real treat.

  4. you two are so great, and i agree – the roads less traveled offer so many lovely surprises.

    hope all went well in memphis – am finally home, though returned to ‘no power/slow-no internet/and a subtle return to the rainy season’!!! no matter what, there’s no place like home!

    z

    1. Our trip was great, thanks Z. You seem to have on the go a lot lately. Rainy season – sounds like a good time to catch up reading and your art.

      1. I produce many more paintings in the rainy season.. this past weekend I painted a lot, so perhaps thats a sign the serious rains will start soon!

        1. Hope you find lots of inspiration and time for painting – but not too much rain. 🙂

  5. I lived, most-time, in a camper and have driven thousands of miles of these back roads and if I had ten lifetimes, I would never seen enough to satisfy me. Lovely shots 🙂

    1. Oh, the experiences you must have had.one just never knows what is around the next curve. Thank you.

  6. What a lovely scene, Ron. Back roads are definitely far more interesting if one has the time to explore. I always enjoy seeing covered bridges.

    1. We have taken the time the past few years and have had some great experiences. Thanks Sylvia.

  7. I’m all for the road less travelled!

    1. ots the only way to go. Thank you Sue.

  8. Now this is exactly why finding the road-less-traveled is a brilliant way to go. The covered bridge is something I have yet to see/witness ~ great shot!

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