Here's the state's interpretive sign. Please zoom-in to read.

... VA Hospital in Temple. Love that bridge! Love this view of it!

I plan to return after a snowfall.

Thanks!

... they're all over the whole hospital. I've only been able to find two of mine and several others from my students. Then Covid hit.

How splendid the fall colors are. I can hardly see the bridge through them!

My primary interest was the fall foliage and the reflection of the bridge in the creek.

Both creekside sides of the bridge are obscured by foliage.

Thanks so much, my dear Mousetoescamper.

As one who was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, I participated in reconstruction of a covered bridge that was moved about 25 years ago… and became interested in the design of covered bridges. Like old iron bridges built 100+ years ago, many different designs were used.

Many years ago, I was checking out the design of a covered bridge in Vermont when I encountered a gentleman with an unusual hobby. In addition to photographing covered bridges, he was fascinated with taking photos through the knotholes in the siding of covered bridges. In addition to a picture of the knothole, he would place his camera close to the holes and photograph the rivers as seen thru the holes. Said he hoped to compile a book of his knothole photos, but I have no idea if that ever came to fruition. I was amused by his quirky hobby… just the sort of thing I might do (although I have not emulated his hobby).

There is a park near Battle Creek MI, Historic Bridge Park, where several old decommissioned Michigan iron bridges, each with a different construction design, have been refurbished and rebuilt. Great place to visit, if you’re interested in that sort of thing. Credit is due to a former Calhoun County Road Commissioner, who had the foresight to obtain the old bridges when they were dismantled many years ago.
https://historicbridges.org/info/bridgepark/index.php

I went to the site you linked and will visit the historic park if I'm ever again in Michigan. I last visited in 2002 and camped in Hiawatha National Forest in the UP. I spent a few hours at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and vowed to return to spend a few days exploring the area. Battle Creek's not far from the route I took.

The Clay's Bridge photos were a few of some 500 I took last Thursday at Little Buffalo State Park. A few are posted here https://www.democraticunderground.com/1036137921 and here https://www.democraticunderground.com/1036137975. I have a special interest in unusual perspectives such as the knothole photos you mentioned. While I didn't spend much time at the bridge--fall foliage was why I visited the lake--I did get a few interior shots.

Here's one.


Winter is the best season to photograph bridges. I plan to return to the park and Clay's Bridge this winter.

Thanks for the interesting info and link.