Pisgah Covered Bridge

ASHEBORO ~ The Pisgah Covered Bridge is one of only two covered bridges still standing in North Carolina. I drove quite a ways, down several country roads, following the signs for this historic landmark. And there it was, standing humbly in the middle of nowhere—on the outskirts of a forest, below a two-lane road, above a babbling creek, the likes of which we all played in as kids. It's within a tiny park with walking trails and a few picnic tables. There's room for 10 or so cars to park. A neighborhood dog walked around freely, checking out the day's visitors. I wasn't sure whether or not it was happy to see me.

I found out later that this bridge was built for $40 in 1911. It was washed away in 2003 by a flood, but volunteers were able to retrieve 90% of the original structure, and rebuilt it. 

I took a few photos (pretending to be Robert Kincaid in Bridges of Madison County, on assignment for National Geographic). I took shots from every angle and made my way back and forth through the 54-foot long bridge. On my way back through, I looked up to admire the woodwork and found something hanging from the rafters. (You can barely see it in the photo). I guess I have yet to embrace the country girl in me, because I distinctly remember asking myself, I wonder how a kid got his rubber snake up there? AND THEN IT MOVED! How soon I had I forgotten that I was, in fact, in the middle of the woods in North Carolina. The largest snakes we'd see in CT were garter snakes and those were nothing to write home about. This certainly was NO python : ) but the idea it could have dropped down on me, gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it.
I wouldn't necessarily make a special trip to see this bridge, but if you're near the Asheboro Zoo, and you have half an hour to kill, check it out. If you'd like to find out more about the bridge online (sans snake, of course), click here.

Zoo, Part II

Welcome back to the Zoo, Part II. The flamingos were the highlight of my trip. They are such unusual creatures — standing on one leg, twisting their necks in order to bury their heads inside their own feather down pillow. Flamingos get such a bad wrap when they're molded in plastic and staked on the front lawns in America. These birds are cool and the real deal!

I give the North Carolina Zoo props for their creativity. Throughout the park there were things for kids (and adults alike) to do and look at—from their "Hide, Seek, Skip and Run" structure made solely of twisted branches, to their signage, poetry and sculpture. 

I felt for the bear above. It paced from one end of the ledge to the other, over and over. Perhaps it was hungry, awaiting mealtime, or just stir crazy, having lived in the same quarters for so long. Or perhaps it was just making sure I highlight it's good side.

Too bad these bears couldn't meet up for some play. This one just looked bored. Bad photo through some streaky glass, but wanted to show the in-and-out of-water environments.

Moving inside to the steamy jungle environment of the "Forest Aviary". Birds were flying around and swooping in pretty close, cawing and doing what birds do. Watch yourself. This was another cool building with two levels... one kept you high in the tree branches looking down, the other left you staring up. This place was a hotbed for photographers shooting all the exotic plants, trees and flowers. Orchids everywhere!

And just when my body was acclimated to the jungle-like climate, I stepped out and headed towards the dry grasslands  of the African Pavilion.

It was here that I found ten minutes of sheer silence - a nice break from the busloads of tourists. For some reason no one ventured down the long, wooden pathway to get to the viewing station and pavilion. Rhinos were feasting and lounging in the sun. I felt good about the zoo here, since the land was vast and offered plenty of room for these animals to roam.

Is a caption even necessary here? I didn't think so. Thanks for visiting the zoo with me.

NC ZOO (ASHEBORO)

Welcome to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. I visited last weekend (in March) when many of the exhibits were undergoing construction. If you're visiting during off-season, be sure to pace yourself. If you walk the entire route, you'll find yourself in a long line (with a long wait) for the tram back to the entrance or you'll have to hoof it back on foot. I made that rookie mistake. The zoo is not laid out in a loop as I had expected. The shuttle runs during the spring/summer so this is not an issue then. Despite that glitch, I enjoyed my day exploring the 550 acres.

Can't say I remember what was in the Sonora Desert building ~ snakes and geckos I guess. I was distracted more by the architecture. To be inside, but feel like you're outside, was all pretty cool. I loved the clear, dome-shaped roof.

Welcome to Honey Bee Garden. Kids were lining up to have their photo taken by mom and dad. As an artist, I loved the inside of the honey comb. Very cool patterns, textures and colors. 

I was really pulling for the turtle above. It was having the darndest time pulling itself up on the stump at feeding time. As for the turtle below... nothing like pulling a chair up to the buffet bar. 

Food and drink can be found at various hubs along the route. If you're stopping at the cafeteria, be sure to go at off hours or you'll be fighting long lines and school groups. This was around 2pm when things settled down a bit.

I'll be back with a second installment of the zoo in a few days. Until then, make yourself comfortable.