“Things change. They always do, it’s one of the things of nature. Most people are afraid of change, but if you look at it as something you can count on, then it can be a comfort.”
~ Robert James Waller, author of The Bridges of Madison County
These bridges were covered to protect them from the sun and rain thereby increasing their lifespan. On many of the bridges you’ll see the words: Cross This Bridge At A Walk. This phrase, on many of these relics of a bygone era, refers to the “walk” of a horse-drawn carriage. When these 19th century vehicles would bound across the wooden bridges at a full trot it would weaken the structural integrity of the bridge at an advanced pace. By “walking” across the wooden structure it received much less vibration and less stress.
Other observations about the area: There’s no GPS service – so get a map; I found one at the campground. You don’t see a lot of people on these backwoods, country roads; maybe another car every five minutes. There are houses and farms scattered about but I never saw any police. As a man, or even a woman if you’re so daring, you can pee anywhere ’cause there ain’t nobody around to see you; and you pretty much have to ’cause there ain’t no Port-o’-Johns, gas stations or McBathrooms out there in the sticks. The people that you do see, whether they’re in a passing vehicle or out working in their front yard, will wave to you. Everybody is very friendly.
In fact, I was driving by this one house when an old man, tending to his flowers, exchanged with me a friendly wave. As I passed I noticed his last name in big, bold letters on his mailbox. His last name was: WHALEN! The same last name as my lovely Treva waiting for me in San Diego! So, I put my XTerra into reverse gear and backed right up to the front of the house, got out, walked over to this fine gentleman-farmer and said, “Hello!” His wife was sitting on the front porch knitting or crocheting or something like that. Well, I introduced myself to the Whalen’s and told them about my Great American Road Trip, about Treva and her family and other pleasantries. We stood, or sat, there for a good half-an-hour just talking about our lives, the area, retirement, gardening, the city life vs. the country life and a whole host of other subjects that just seemed to flow from the three of us, as if we had been friends for years. Before leaving I asked if I might take some pictures and then we all said to each other, “Have a nice live!”, and down the road I went with a smile on my face, having been reassured that there are some wonderful souls still out there in the world, if we’re just willing to extend them a hearty handshake. Meeting the Whalen’s was the highlight of my day!
I hope you take a chance when meeting a stranger(s) and offer them a warm Hello. You may never forget them, even if you only meet for one brief moment, they may enter your soul and change your life forever.
The gam continues…
The Whalen homestead looks like a little piece of Heaven.Nice little ranch house surrounded by beautiful flowers. I’m glad you got to meet and spend some time with them.The covered bridges are awesome! I like the weather station,our weather men could take a lesson from that. Wow! To think you’ve traveled over 3,000 miles and your only about 1,700 by direct route. Safe travels. Love you xoxo
Sent from Connie.
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Love the bridge pictures! The Whalen’s! LOL what a surprise!
No relation, but they look like good folks!
Hope you’re having lots of fun!
Can’t wait to read about northern Michigan and see the pictures. I’ve heard its beautiful!
All of your pictures from your journey are beautiful. Keep them coming! Nancy
Thank you! I will!
Hello from Patton’s Corner. Hope you have had a safe trip.. Glad are salvation was useful. My husband likes people to look at this old stuff. We all are pretty peaceful out in this neck of the woods. Thanks for sharing your journey. Safe travels.
Yes! Thank you for the accommodations! Patton’s Corner was a neat little, unexpected find along my journey. Thank your husband for sharing. Have a nice life!