Everyone has their THING. Some Unilocalers really love writing about froyo shops, brunch spots, BBQ or yummy places for desserts. Others enjoy libraries and parks, while still other love all things Disney. As for me, I have a huge thing for bridges, particularly covered bridges and old railroad bridges. I may have missed my calling in life because there is something about these structures that just resonates with my soul. It’s really a combination of two things that I hold in high regard — civil engineering and history. I can’t begin to tell you just how much I daydream when I’m in the presence of old structures such as these from bygone eras. The stories each one of these bridges holds is likely an amazing glimpse back in time. Many have seen war, heard secret conversations and plots, couples sharing a kiss and even criminal activity, as thieves often hid in the rafters of covered bridges to rob unsuspecting travelers. I wonder to myself what famous historic people have crossed over their planks. Maybe presidents, famous writers, aristocrats, and perhaps even runaway slaves? The stories they could tell would be more fascinating than any blockbuster movie I’ve seen in my lifetime. *************** A STORY I WANTTOSHARE Here is a story that this particular bridge would hold. In 2010, we allowed my wife’s high school friend to come stay with us. She was having a difficult time and needed a place to lay her head for a few weeks. During that time her situation escalated and a few weeks turned into a year. Oh, did I mention she had 4 children(three boys and a girl) ranging in ages from 8 to 13? Well we’ve always been a traveling family, even when our personal economy was under stress. So instead of 2-week long vacations, we paired our trips down to affordable weekend getaways. One weekend while this family stayed with us, we traveled to South Carolina to explore the fall colors in the mountains for a few days. When we returned they all gathered around to see our photos and I noticed sadness on the kids’ faces after we’d finished discussing all the cool things we saw on the road. I just didn’t think about how this family may be feeling as they were struggling to even survive. So I made up in my mind right then I was going to take those kids on a weekend adventure of their own. The following weekend I set off on another adventure with my oldest son and the three oldest children from my wife’s friend. We labeled it «Guys Weekend» and even made a sign for the back window of our car. I wanted it to be a big deal to them. We explored many areas in the Carolina Mountains, including a brief visit here to Campbell’s Bridge. The scene is picturesque. Surrounded by mountains and farmland is this little oasis of trees along the banks of a small river. The setting includes a mock well, picnic area and lots of large boulders for the boys to jump and play. I took a ton of pictures during our trip and it was here I sat down with the boys and talked a little about life, forgiveness and being grateful for the simple things in life. It was a magical day and a magical trip, one I hope will bring a smile to their faces for a lifetime. We saw waterfalls, mountaintops, ate great foods & visited some of the coolest parts of nature in the South. The mountains of the Carolina’s are filled with awe and wonder for those who love the great outdoors. Campbell’s bridge is truly awesome. Also nearby is Poinsett Bridge, a stone bridge that was once part of the main road between Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC. *************** BRIDGESTATS The ONLY surviving covered bridge in the entire state of SC Year completed: 1909 35 feet long by 12 feet wide Large gravel parking area Tiered stone picnic area Stone well FINALTHOUGHTS If there was one thing I would encourage everyone to do, it is to pay life forward. If you’ve never thought about being a blessing to a family in turmoil, please use this review as a source of encouragement. Give them a gift of a wonderful weekend, even if it’s just a day trip. Make plans to show them something or someplace they might otherwise have not had the opportunity to see. Honestly, it blessed my family far more than it blessed theirs! IF you like, more on my «Guys Weekend» weekend can be read in my High Falls review:
