2-10-2012-covered bridges of ohio. 

       call it a quest or something on my bucket list , but one thing i would like to do before i die is visit all the covered bridges in the state of ohio. there are over 125 covered bridges in the state of ohio. will try to copy wikipedia's link and a chart with  information on where they are and date built. the newton falls bridge claims to be the oldest in the state of ohio, depite being refurbished  just recently. it is a very nice covered bridge and a place to park and view is provided at end of the bridge. this is actually the second oldest bridge in the state of ohio despite their claims. it was built in 1831.the oldest is roberts covered bridge in preble co. ohio. built in 1829.

       next up is the root road covered bridge -built in 1868 and is drivable . it also includes a place to pull off and view the bridge. this and the previous covered bridge at newton falls are of the pratt truss type bridges , creating a lattice work inside the bridge.  a lot of the bridges were usually built on raised approaches , hopefully leaving them high and dry during floods allowing travelers a chance to still cross a raging creek. i imagine also it prevented rotting of the wood allowing air to pass under the structure. this is located in keloggville , ashtbula county , ohio. information regarding the span and exact location as well as links to local attractions can be obtained by clicking on this link-List of Ohio covered bridges - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia-

      south denmark covered bridge over mill creek, denmark corner, ashtabula , oh. , was built in 1868. it was by passed by a newer bridge but is still drivable and makes an enjoyable stop after viewing covered bridges . it has this spectacular view of this farm out one end of the bridge , framing in the farm . walking through these long halls is awe inspiring , thinking of meetings, secret and public shared in this common place . a safe harbor in a rain storm when you are sitting in a buggy , waiting for the rain to ease. they were more than bridges. this also was a pratt truss type bridge and if the day was nice a picnic on the back of a truck tailgate and a cold pop would be rewarding  to your soul.

       netcher  road covered bridge, jefferson township, ashtabula county, oh.  was rebuilt in 1999, and is of the arch type suspension bridge. this bridge has fire detection , preventing would be arsonists from attempting a foolish stunt. this is a magnificent bridge and should be viewed and hopefully will be around an easy 100 years. my understanding there is a lighting display and it's grand at christmas time. when you look at the life spans of a lot of these covered bridges they are long. some are easily over 100 years. imagine what it cost back then to build these bridges , and considering the upkeep over the years and the memories they have shared for many, you will soon see they are a good deal for our money. this last pic is a look at the side arch designed to support the weight of the bridge plus vehicles . another good feature of the bridges was to shed water away from the deck of the bridge prolonging its life and keeping it ice free and dry in winter. as long as the roof and sides are maintained the bridges will last a long time.
     unfortunately what happens to a lot of covered bridges is that they are washed away in floods as water suddenly reaches a level enabling the bridge to float off its foundation. some bridges have been returned to original foundations and reset, others are lost and wrecked . only to be replaced by newer steel and concrete bridges as they can easily be set on existing foundations allowing those stranded on one side or the other to once again return to some sense of normalcy. there is a place to pull over and view this bridge easily.