At Campbell's Covered Bridge, off to the right as you're facing that old red structure, are the remnants of a road, almost covered over by trees on either side; they lean over, creating a tunnel-like view with a patch of light at the end.
You walk down that old road made of dirt, a little mud, scattered bits of gravel, and the occasional clump of grass. Once you reach that patch of light, the trail turns off to the right and up the hill. And the road ends, sort of.
A gate has been fashioned of chains across the road, marking the edge of the little park, and barring visitors from going any further.
Standing close to that gate, you see what is in this photograph. There is a clearing, complete with a lawn of thick green grass. And just beyond the grass is an old shed that has seen better days. To the right of that shed are two colorful metal drums of some sort. And in the middle is a tree with a bright red and white “no trespassing” sign.
It seems obvious that no one has been near that shed in a long time. There are no wheel tracks, no worn spots in the thick grass, no indications of recent human activity to indicate otherwise. You might stand there and wonder what story could be told about this little scene. You might notice the two old wooden cable spools inside the shed that could give a clue.
There appears to be no other access, no roads, no paths leading into this little area. If you are a photographer like me, you are going to feel the urge to step over that gate and take a closer look. I have not done that. Although I really, really want to. But that bright red and white sign instructs me otherwise.
And I, being respectful of property rights, will stay on the park-side of that gate. But no sign will instruct me on my thoughts, thoughts which always entertain me whenever I visit Campbell’s Covered Bridge.