In this Aug. 29, 2011 photo, a tree pierces through a historic covered bridge in Northfield, Vt. If you had to choose one symbol that sums up the state's essence, it might well be the covered bridge. Besides being tourist magnets, the bridges embody a reverence for history and the rural landscape, a prized sense of community. But the spans are vulnerable. Until Irene hit on Aug. 28, Vermont still had 101; the storm destroyed two and damaged 13 others. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)