bridges of madison county

Roseman Covered Bridge 1883

Did you read the book, The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller?  There really are covered bridges and the Roseman Bridge was on the cover of the book. This past week we were able to visit the bridges that are located in Winterset, Madison County, Iowa. 

Upon visiting the Chamber of Commerce in Winterset you are given a map to show you how to get to the bridges. None are being used anymore, but all are still intact and will probably be there long after the concrete and steel bridges, that replaced them, are gone. Some were tore down and built back up in another location to keep them preserved, others are in their original locations, sitting above the rivers that have been flowing below them for a hundred years or more.

Today these bridges mean more than just a mode of transportation of years gone by. They represent a love story thanks to the book.

Hogback Covered Bridge 1884

Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge 1871

Holliwell Bridge 1880

where things are simple

As the summer winds down I realize that the camping trip we will be taking at the end of the month will probably be our last trip of the season. 

This made me reminisce about the many camping trips that I have taken over the years.  

Today I thought I would share pictures of the different campers that our family has owned over my lifetime.

Unfortunately, I was not able to find pictures of the first camper that the Preacher and I had. The camper where our son learned to love the outdoors and looked forward to having adventures.

Kuhn Family Vacation, Wisconsin, 1960's, Franklin Trailer

Kuhn Family Vacation, Lake Superior, late 1960's early 1970's

Lula Kuhn, 1980's, Brookville, Indiana

The Preacher, 2017, Golden, CO

Camping has been in my family for as long as I can remember. 

Thanks Dad and Mom for giving us the love of adventure, the appreciation of the outdoors and sharing the beauty of this country!

I need a break from all the noise.

I want to breathe clean air

   and swim in clean water.

I want to sit on the porch of an old

   cabin and listen to the stillness.

I want to be out where things are

   simple and every breath is

    a reminder that there is beauty

     and magic left in this world.

–Brooke Hampton