As I drove through Rush Creek Covered Bridge a couple winters ago, I had to stop- right in the middle of the bridge. I mean, how could I not when this was my view?! There were no cars coming, and probably would not be, in front of or behind me. So, I put the car in park, turned off my radio, and sat- just sat there in my car and stared at this winter wonderland in front of me. I knew this was the image I was going to make with my camera, but it wasn't going anywhere fast, so I just gazed at what was ahead of me. And as I sat in my car, I was keenly aware of two things.

The first one was, as I was parked in my car in the middle of a one lane covered bridge, how rarely a vehicle passes by as I photograph the covered bridges. I see more wildlife than vehicles at the bridges- deer, bald eagles (yes!), blue herons, and snakes (eeew!)-most times. I hope Rush Creek Covered Bridge is not forgotten. I hope that old memories are reignited and the old timers' stories are passed down to the generations. I hope new memories are created at Rush Creek. Memories of driving through the covered bridge for the first time or creek stomping under the bridge, or memories of getting lost trying to find Rush Creek Covered Bridge without a map or GPS. I hope the bridge is remembered.

As I was looking out at what was before me, I saw the trees bending low to the earth, especially the one on the right of this image. Not only did it make for an aesthetic image, it also reminded me of the God I serve. He made what I was looking at, and as this tree bows to the elements, I should humbly bow before the One who created me and created what I was staring at. He created me to praise and glorify Him. How could I not?! How could I look at what was in front of me and not praise Him who created the earth! So, I did. In those few moments, I praised the Creator for His creation- what I saw- the trees, the snow, and the snow-covered earth, and what I heard and felt- the silence, the quiet, and the peace.

And then, as I sat in my car, I said, "Thank you." Thanks to God for His creation, and thanks to those who built the bridge (in a most "awe"some place). I put my car in reverse so as not to disturb the snow-covered road. I got out of my car with my camera and tripod, and I made the same composition as I had imagined while I was in my car. I took my time. I looked once more in the viewfinder and then completed this memory.

My hope through my photography, is that, as this memory was made, the Covered Bridges of Parke County continue to stand as a reminder of the beauty that once was, and, to this day, still is. 

"Portal of the Past" Rush Creek Covered BridgeWhen the architects constructed the covered bridges, I wonder if they thought these would become pieces of history? I wonder if people crossed the bridges and thought, "Wow, these bridges are works of art?" Probably not, but I do. They probably just used them as an everyday convenience to cross a creek. Now, we hold a 10 day festival to commemorate the bridges. When I cross the covered bridges, I wonder about the past.