Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Coverage Bridge Tour

So, I'm pretty sure that I have the best husband out there.  Josh was able to spend a few days in Indianapolis with his family.  He had a great time and I totally wish I would have been able to go with him.  He came back on Saturday afternoon and after his five hour car ride, when he got home, he hopped right back in the car and went on the covered bridge tour that I have been wanting to go on for quite some while.  It was mostly spending lots of time in the car, but it was the perfect date.  We had a blast.  Here are a few of the many many pictures I took and the description of each bridge found in our little brochure.  Don't feel like you have to read them, you can just look at the pretty pictures :)

Doyle Road Bridge:
"A 94 ft long Town lattice bridge built in 1868.  Doyle spans Mill Creek.  Mill Creek is a tributary of the Grand River.  This bridge was renovated in 1987 when a laminated arch was added." 



This is a few of the views from the Giddings Road Bridge:


Giddings Road Bridge:
"Pratt truss construction was used for this 107 ft bridge built in 1995 with funding from an ODOT Timber Grant.  It cross Mill Creek in Jefferson Twp."


Just a pretty barn that we saw along the way.  I love how you can see the shadows of the trees on the barn.

Netcher Road Bridge:
"The bridge is constructed over Mill Creek in Jefferson Twp and features a timber arch with inverted Haupt walls.  The 'Neo Victorian' design structure is 110 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 14 feet six inches high.  Construction was funded by an ODOT Timber Grant and was opened to traffic in 1999."

This one was probably my favorite that we saw.  It just had so much character.  I love it!



South Denmark Road Bridge:
"Built in 1890 this Town lattice bridge spans Mill Creek.  The 81 fr structure was bypassed in 1975 but is easily accessible.

This one was off the main road way but you could still drive through it. 

Just another country picture I took.  The country out in that area is just absolutely beautiful!

Caine Road Bridge:
"This first Pratt truss bridge in Ohio was built in 1986 in honor of Ashtabula County's 175th Anniversary.  The 124 foot long bridge traverses the west branch of the Ashtabula River in Pierpont Twp."

We had a fun time at this one too.  We got out and did some climbing and exploring here.





Graham Road Bridge:
"The Graham Road Bridge, which was built from remnants of a bridge washed downstream in the 1913 flood, now sits in a small park on the south side of the road.  The 97 ft Town truss was over the west branch of the Ashtabula River in Pierpont Twp."

I like how this one said it was in a park...It's not...the "park" is just the bridge on the grass which has a picnic table inside it.  That's it.




Root Road Bridge:
" A 114 ft Town lattice built in 1868, Root crosses the Ashtabula River.  It was raised 18in during the rehabilitation in 1982-1983 and new laminated girders and a center concrete pier were added."


Middle Road Bridge:
"This 136 ft Howe truss bridge was built in 1868 over Conneaut Creek, which is the longest river in eastern Ashtabula County.  It was reconstructed in 1984 with the help of three volunteers and four college students."


This is just another barn we saw on the way.  Josh LOVED it.  It's a hexagon barn.

State Road Bridge:
"Containing 97,000 ft of southern pine and oak, the State Road Bridge was erected in 1983 across Conneaut Creek.  The 152 ft Town lattice span was the first covered bridge designed and built by County Engineer John Smolen, Jr.  A four foot tall window extends the length of the bridge showing the Town lattice construction.  The dedication of the bridge in 1983 was the forerunner of the Covered Bridge Festival."

We did see a few other bridges but it was getting to be too dark and none of the pictures really turned out.  We had such a great time and it was just gorgeous being out in the country especially this time of year.  I love fall out here!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Weekend in Michigan

My mom was in Michigan last week visiting her mom and sister.  Luckily, I was able to go up there for the weekend and see them.  It was a fun weekend, but as always it was too short.  We mainly just hung around eating and talking.  On Saturday, we did drive up to Houghton Lake to go to this amazing craft store called Arnie's.  I could have spent A LOT of money there and had to limit myself majorly.  It was definitely fun.



So it was a little windy right by the lake and it was COLD!!!  The wind makes them look a little scary in the picture below, but I still like it :)




It was a beautiful drive especially this time of year.  If only fall could stay around much longer...

My mom drove up to Michigan, so I was FINALLY able to get the painting she did for us.  It's huge and I LOVE IT!!  She's been done with it for probably a year now and I'm so grateful I have it now.  She did such a good job.  Here's a picture of it:

It was a fun weekend!  I can't wait to be able to see my mom again.  I don't get to see her enough.  Thanks for the fun weekend and the beautiful painting :)

Thursday, October 20, 2011

*Darcy*

A few weeks ago, I was able to see a part of my family out in Utah for a funeral.  It was a sad occasion as my aunt passed away.  She was such an amazing person!  She touch so many people's lives.  She is missed by all who knew her.  I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go.  Love you, Terry!

It was great to be able to see my family even though it was a sad time.  While I was there, I was able to take a few pictures of Darcy.  She's such a happy girl and I had a ton of fun playing with her throughout the weekend.  





The next weekend, Josh & I went to Cedar Pointe with a few of our friends.  Sorry, no pictures.  I didn't want to have to carry around a camera all day.  It was so much fun!  By far the best amusement park.  It was SUPER crowded though.  We waited an average of two hours per ride waiting in line; but the rides were totally worth it.  Next time, we won't be going on a Saturday; that's for sure.  On one of the rides, it takes you from 0 to 120 mph in 4 seconds.  You go straight up and come pretty much straight down.  It was awesome.  Love all the rides that we went on.