Massive, intricate ironwork. Bands of steel supporting a road over a body of water. Oak planks pieced together, housed beneath a wooden roof that protects the planks from water and snow. Bridges enable us to cross the river, lake or ocean delivering us to our destination. Large or small, bridges unite.
Over the summer, I wanted to take a different vacation. I bought a book titled Michigan, Off the Beaten Path. After I browsed through it, I made a decision. I wanted to visit the oldest bridge in Michigan.
Whenever we went to Canada, we always drove through the tunnel. When I was 18, I drove across the bridge from Windsor to Detroit, by myself!! There is a first time for everything and that was one of them. Maybe it was a rite of passage for me - I don't know... perhaps a feeling of accomplishment...? Now my quest was to visit the bridges north of Grand Rapids.
This little get-away was quite different from the normal Michigan trips we take. First, we visited the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. We walked through the African Safari park. The trees created a cooling effect as we walked endlessly through the woods, visiting exotic species along the way.
By mid afternoon, we headed for the bridge. Of course, I wanted to stop at a local farm market/bakery/store. I truly enjoy these detours. I am not shy and I strike up a conversation with the local residents that work in these establishments. Of course, this occurred once again.
After a twenty minute discussion about the town, I purchased a few home grown peaches and a homemade cookie and we were off to the bridges.
The bridges were definitely OFF THE BEATEN PATH! Five miles down a dirt road and there it was..built in 1873. The large sign warned that vehicles over 6 tons could not cross. I was very adamant that we would not be taking the F-150 across this bridge - yes, I can swim, yes, it was shallow water - no, I was not taking any chances!
The second bridge was about four miles away at a park. It was very pretty. I gained a lot of knowledge about these bridges, tucked away along the west side of the state. I tried to take in the architecture of the bridge, wondering about the people that walked or drove their horse and buggy across the strong wooden planks.
Now off to visit MADISON COUNTY!!!
Over the summer, I wanted to take a different vacation. I bought a book titled Michigan, Off the Beaten Path. After I browsed through it, I made a decision. I wanted to visit the oldest bridge in Michigan.
Whenever we went to Canada, we always drove through the tunnel. When I was 18, I drove across the bridge from Windsor to Detroit, by myself!! There is a first time for everything and that was one of them. Maybe it was a rite of passage for me - I don't know... perhaps a feeling of accomplishment...? Now my quest was to visit the bridges north of Grand Rapids.
This little get-away was quite different from the normal Michigan trips we take. First, we visited the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. We walked through the African Safari park. The trees created a cooling effect as we walked endlessly through the woods, visiting exotic species along the way.
By mid afternoon, we headed for the bridge. Of course, I wanted to stop at a local farm market/bakery/store. I truly enjoy these detours. I am not shy and I strike up a conversation with the local residents that work in these establishments. Of course, this occurred once again.
After a twenty minute discussion about the town, I purchased a few home grown peaches and a homemade cookie and we were off to the bridges.
The bridges were definitely OFF THE BEATEN PATH! Five miles down a dirt road and there it was..built in 1873. The large sign warned that vehicles over 6 tons could not cross. I was very adamant that we would not be taking the F-150 across this bridge - yes, I can swim, yes, it was shallow water - no, I was not taking any chances!
The second bridge was about four miles away at a park. It was very pretty. I gained a lot of knowledge about these bridges, tucked away along the west side of the state. I tried to take in the architecture of the bridge, wondering about the people that walked or drove their horse and buggy across the strong wooden planks.
Now off to visit MADISON COUNTY!!!
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