Day 8 – The Sue & Shannon Tour

Sue and Shannon

 

Today was one of those totally unexpected days. I met a local couple and struck up a conversation about sites to see in the area and it turns out that Parke County is the covered bridge capital of the world – who knew. As we talked further it seems that most of these bridges are on back gravel roads which are not great access by motorcycle. I had resolved myself to living with the one bridge I saw yesterday when they offered to tour me around by car since it has been awhile since they have seen them. I jumped at the chance so we got together this morning and off we went. Hence no new miles at the top of this blog. Man that car is way more comfy with great seats and air conditioning. 

Mansfield Mill

 

The first stop was the Mansfield Roller Mill where we toured the small mill. This small town apparently hops during festival time. It looks like an old western town, with a stone jail that is about 8 feet square and a covered bridge. The bridge was built in 1867 – the year of Canada’s confederation. 

Bridgetown Bridge

 

Next we went to Bridgetown to see this recently rebuilt bridge. The old bridge was burned by an arsonist who is now in the sanitorium. We had lunch at Collum’s General Store and sat at the staff table with one of the 

Dan the Bridge Man

 

owners who is a covered bridge restorer and led the restoration team. Dan told us about what it was like restoring and/or relocating covered bridges and explained with passion the different types of designs and why the arch construction is stronger. Sorry Dan for the lousy picture but you were the one that closed your eyes. Dan and his wife are bikers and have ridden some great tours with his brother and sister-in-law and friends.  Thanks for making this day so special. 

While we ate, many locals came and went and chatted about the antique tractor run, the Model A run and the upcoming party where one of the men at the adjacent table plays in the band. Apparently I just missed all the Model A cars in French Lick – Dang! Another man is  about to buy $1,500 worth of fireworks for next weekend’s Independence Day celebrations. He has done this for the last 8 years. 

It was amazing how these people all were friends – even if they didn’t know their names. There was a little heart warming story of a father who brings his little son to the music nights and he eventually falls asleep (the boy that is) and he carries him home to bed. 

Dan recommended that we drive to see the State Sanitorium Bridge that was built in 1913 and was restored and relocated in 2009. It turns out that the bridge is in Amish country so we got to see the Amish working their fields with horses. They all waved of course as we drove by. Sue explained that you can tell their farms because there are no power lines going to the building – but the houses and barns were very modern looking from the outside.  

I have no idea how they got this bridge down these narrow roads with right-angled turns every half concession but I have learned that these people are amazingly resourceful. 

I got my laundry done so now I can travel the next leg without offending anyone. Tomorrow I will start out with my new t-shirt – a gift from Shannon – and fly the American flag on my chest. It is exactly like the shirt Shannon is wearing in the picture above - but blue. Thanks Shannon and Sue for a wonderful day and the gift of your company and the shirt. 

Tomorrow it is back in the saddle for the trek north into Michigan – with a helmet of course. Roy and Linda Sherman (longtime friends of our family) are heading out from Ontario to drive to Chicago. I hope to link up somehow with them on the way – how great would that be? 

I will sign off and start to plan my route for tomorrow. 

I miss you all -  but having a blast! I see that this blog gets up to 100 hits per day – kind of amazing. 

Bob 

 

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