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The Barronville Bridge, Circa 1880 was the first on our stop.

A  friend of mine emailed a group text to several photographer enthusiasts, including me, suggesting a trip to Somerset, PA to photograph the covered bridges at the peak of Autumn color. Some of my best days over the past couple of years have been spent with these fun and energetic friends. We have explored the world around us, ventured into waters unknown to us, laughing until we almost pee, and have spent late nights attempting to solve the world’s problems since our teenage and young adult kids will no longer let us help solve theirs. No way was I  going to miss out on a weekend of fun with these ladies.

The beauty of the bridge could be seen both inside and out.

The most organized of the group, emailed each of us a map with directions to each old covered bridge weeks before we ventured out. A couple of us offered to drive including me since admittedly it seemed to be one of the easiest chores. Hotel reservations were secured from another in the group,  LA (nickname) who always seems to enjoy the finer things in life, leading us to believe lodging would be nothing short of acceptable. A week or so prior to this outing, she stated that one small motel chain appeared to be the only one area since it was the one that popped up in her Google search. Needless to say, it wasn’t the most pleasant of stays, to the point I won’t comment anymore about this except to say, this Somerset highway exit seemed to be a hub for truckers, hookers and several hotel chains. If you ever decide to visit this particular highway exit,spend a few minutes exploring all lodging options first. As I’m still burying thoughts about the one-night stay, LA has since spent time at the luxury resort, Fogo Island Inn, leaving any thoughts of the questionable motel far in her distance.

Dairy Farm in Somerset County, PA.

The beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside and the undeniable charm of the historic covered bridges soon proved to be worth the weekend trip. Unexpected adventures came with the day, as would be expected from these fearless and adventurous women. I don’t think any of us have met a stranger. We are all too quick to pull into picturesque working farms to take images or accompany fisherman, crabbers or clammers photographing their hard day’s work.

Photography is something I picked up just a few years ago and now with my nest empty, I have the time to go explore with my camera. What hobbies are you interested in? Don’t hold back, pick one and try it out. Now’s the time for you to live your best life now!