Duck and cover

The Man writes...don't ask me why, but I'm very fond of covered bridges, so when we noticed a sign to one near Ithaca last week I felt we should go and investigate.

Newfield covered bridge over the Cayuga creek is one of only 29 covered bridges remaining in New York, and the oldest in regular use, having been built in 1853. A plaque nearby explains how these picturesque and distinctive "timber tunnels" were popular in nineteenth century America, and often became a place for social gatherings.

The bridge was going to be torn down in 1972 to be replaced by a steel and concrete structure, but was saved largely through the efforts of a local couple. I trust they received prominent thanks in the community newspaper for their achievements (unless of course a family of ducks had been rescued from a drain that month).