Little Pawnee Creek runs through our family’s property. To the south, it crosses the road at what is affectionately called “The Crooked Bridge.” The bridge, built in 1910 isn’t crooked, but the approach from each side requires turns and it is a part of a hill as well. It isn’t easy driving a larger vehicle over it, although I have navigated it with a tractor, older style baler, and wagon all attached.
To the west of the bridge is one of the bigger bodies of water along this section of the creek. It is at this location over 50 years ago that my sister, our neighbors, and I had great fun one cool, crisp winter day.
Check The Ice
The sun was shining and everyone wanted to get out of the house. It had been quite cold and the rivers, creeks, and ponds, had frozen over. So, we headed to The Crooked Bridge for a fun adventure. Despite the lengthy cold weather, Dad checked the ice to make sure it was solid enough to hold everyone’s weight. I remember him jumping on it and pounding his foot up and down to make sure that there wasn’t any give. Then, we all carefully stepped off the bank onto the ice.
Playing Ball
We all started sliding around. None of us had ice skates and there wasn’t a huge amount of space. But, there was enough room for sliding, falling, and having a genuinely good time. I am not sure how we came to have a rubber ball with us, but we started bouncing it on the ice. We chased it as it bounded down the creek and under the bridge bouncing off the sides. I remember that when it hit the concrete bridge it would send the ball a different direction and everyone would go sliding after it.
Going Bald
By the end of the day, the ball was completely bald, having lost all of its rubber coating. It had no bounce and would just fall flat. We may have lost a bouncing ball, but we had so much fun and gained a unique memory that it was totally worth it!
Afterward
The featured image is a painting of The Crooked Bridge by Opal Ricketts, who lived nearby.