You're looking at the OLD bridge which spans the Haw River at the town of Bynum, just north of Pittsboro. Bynum was once a thriving mill town, but is now the quietest of tiny residential communities.
A dedicated group of recreational and environmental advocates gained state park status for the Haw River several years ago. This sign neatly summarizes their philosophy.
No signs of the former commerce exist in Bynum today. But the Haw River flows serenely by, with shallow pools, islands, and rock clusters dotting its path.
We don't know how long this old bridge has been closed to vehicles, but it is now part of a pleasant and scenic walk.
A few hundred yards upriver is the new bridge, with cars and trucks zooming toward Chapel Hill, or back toward Pittsboro, Sanford, or other points south (like Moore County).
The bridge is so wide, our view changed dramatically as we ambled leisurely across.
This photo doesn't even look like the same river, but it is.
Two-thirds of the way across the river, we saw that our intrusion, however quiet, had been noted by one of the community's "permanent residents."
The deer watched us intently but calmly as we proceeded on in its direction. When we were quite close, I happened to look down. A fawn looked up at me trustingly. So that's why Mama Deer was checking me and Judy out so closely!
As the deer headed downriver, we noticed this old wooden bridge. Even if it hadn't had a NO Trespassing sign, I'm not sure I would have tested it.
Once we were across, we followed some old broken pavement which led to the now burnt-out mill. This brick wall was covered with graffiti, but not gang-like, more "artsy." It figures, this close to Chapel Hill.
This blackened wall of brick looked to me like one of "Sherman's Sentinels." Bonus points to any of you who know what I'm referring to. It looked as if one good push would send the whole wall crashing down.
This was the main building of the old mill.
Past the mill we found a trail that led to the river. As we followed the winding trail we were delighted with the splendor of wildflowers on every hand.
Heading back, our curiosity was aroused by the apparent sound of a waterfall. Following a side path we arrived at the back side of the mill, where water had once been diverted for use in the factory.
Truthfully, even with the beautiful surroundings, the thundering current and the desolate ruin of a building made me think of Frankenstein's castle! A strange association.
I would have a lot more pictures, but my camera battery said that was all for the day. But our adventure was far from over. We drove to the new parking area at the new Haw River bridge. There we consumed the PBJ's, bananas, and snacks Judy had packed for us. Then we began hiking the Haw River Trail which follows the river's north bank. Of course, our piedmont rivers are nothing like the mountain rivers of North Carolina. But they are the lifeblood of our land, and strolling beside a mighty river with the lush undergrowth all around is inspiring. There were many families fishing and picnicking. We saw some canoeists paddling slowly along. There was an old dam that was a little fearsome. We'll make another trip sometime and I'll get photos of the things I missed. Our little gypsy trip confirmed for us once again that in North Carolina it's very easy to create your own little outing and have a wonderful, relaxing break from the ordinary.
How long has it been since you pulled out a state map, or maybe even a county map and ventured off on a gypsy trip? Judy and I heartily recommend it.
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