The Red Bridge and the Valley

Is there a location you find yourself coming back to time and time again to try and get a new photograph? For me, that spot is our red covered bridge. Every winter I end up here.. trying to find a new and interesting angle that I haven't captured before. There is just something about the red contrasted against the white snow and blue skies that I can't pass up. Here are a few of my favorite photos of the snow-covered valley I love so much. 

 This hex sign on the bridge was painted by the father of a family I know. Hex signs are part of Pennsylvania Dutch history and heritage and can be found all over my area. The different designs have different meanings, this one (which has an eight-pointed star in the middle) has origins with the Star of David. 

 Animal tracks in the snow..

 ..and my tracks in the snow!

The shot above was my winner from the day. A very different and unique image from what I have shot in the past. I love the two Mersangers swimming down the creek with the red bridge and snow covered branches. I might frame this one. :) 

Lights & Bridge

Dec 12: Christmas Lights
Dec 13: Covered Bridge View

Friday Fall Mornings

The world was quiet as the rising sun slowly peaked into the valley. The cold air numbed my fingers as I explored a place I love before the first rays of sunlight hit it. The remnants of mist still hung above the flowing creek and mourning doves called out into the morning. A few trees were sprinkled with color, while others stood naked and bare against the colors of the morning sky. As my car carried me towards home, the sun sparkled through the frosty air, over the hills, and into the valley. What a beautiful morning.

Magic

Happy Thursday. :)
Check back for more snowy fall photos tomorrow!

Bridges of Lancaster

Warning...quick history lesson coming..!

Pennsylvania has the most Covered Bridges of any state in America. In the late 1800's, they were over 1,500 Covered Bridges in the state. Now, the number has dwindled to around 200. Pool Forge Covered Bridge, HDR photo

There's only five covered bridges in the county I reside in, but two are within (a very long) walking distance. - Which is rather nice! Lancaster County, however, has 29 covered bridges, the most of any county.
Weaver's Mill Covered Bridge

A few of the bridges have been moved from their original spot, this bridge was moved about a hundred yards. It now sits unused, slowly decaying.
Red Run Covered Bridge (above and below)

I can't tell you how much I love this shot! I adore cows..and covered bridges..and blue skies. This is one of the oldest covered bridges in Lancaster.
Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge

I happen to love steam trains. I think they're awesomely powerful, and full of so much living history. So we stopped by the Strasbourg railroad to catch a few shots of Engine #90.

I really like this shot, so green and bright and happy!

Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge (above and below)

Another HDR photo, it's next to impossible to get a good shot of the inside of the bridge without overexposing the end, and even on this one, I didn't do such a fine job!