Jay Parini : Vermont a haven of mountains , red barns , clapboard houses , covered bridges . One famous old covered bridge is gone -- a pity , as we have the highest concentration of covered bridges anywhere in the United States , and it 's always a shame to lose one . Comment: Now , Brattleboro deep under water , ruined covered bridges and homes , Parini says . Parini : Vermonters left to clean up in the calm , bright weather Irene left behind .
Jay Parini : Vermont a haven of mountains , red barns , clapboard houses , covered bridges . Comment: Now , Brattleboro deep under water , ruined covered bridges and homes , Parini says . Parini : Vermonters left to clean up in the calm , bright weather Irene left behind .