5.09.2014

Covered Bridges, Volume 2

We spent last night in Denver, PA, population 3,800 (it's really small), so we'd be all set to explore the countryside around Lancaster/Amish country today. And what better way to do that than searching out yet more covered bridges? It got us off the tourist path and into areas we would never have seen otherwise. The area east of Lancaster is beautiful; rolling hills, gorgeous green fields, lovely homes and the oft seen horse-drawn plow - in the fields - and buggy - on the roads.
First stop was an antique and collectibles store (did I mention this area is the self-styled "antique capital of the world"?) I picked up 2 vintage Nancy Drew books for Addy and Rachel, a hand-crank yarn winder for me, and hubby found a fully restored apple peeler.


Then it was down the road about half a mile to our first bridge - Guy Bard Bridge in Ephrata, built in 1891.

Erbs Bridge in Lilitz, built in 1887.

Rosehill bridge in Leola, built in 1849.

Pinetown Bridge in Lilitz, built in 1867.
Hubby waiting patiently in our rental car. He likes covered bridges, but maybe just a teeny bit less than me . . . .


Willow Hill Bridge in Lancaster, built in 1962, and surrounded on all sides by businesses and busy streets.
And a leaky roof. I don't think this one is getting much love since it's not used for traffic.


Herr's Mill Bridge in Ronks, built in 1885. Poor sad, neglected little thing.

Where the "mill" in Herr's Mill comes from.


Leaman Place Bridge in Gordonville, built in 1893.

A clue that you're approaching a covered bridge -

3 tons or less weight limit. We found a couple of bridges by following these signs, when the street address we were using proved incorrect.

Neff Mill Bridge, over the Pequea River in Lancaster, built in 1875.

Lime Valley Bridge in Willow, built in 1871.

One of the biggest bumblebees I've ever seen let us know that this was his bridge, so we took fast photos and left him to it. Seriously, he was the size of a hummingbird!

Kurtz Mill Bridge, set in a park in Lancaster, built in 1876.



Shenk-Mill Bridge in Manheim, built in 1855.


Shearer's Bridge in Manheim, built in 1856. This one is in a park, open only to foot traffic.



We also found the Kauffman Distillery Bridge, built in 1874, but there was no place to safely pull off the road, so we had to pass on taking its portrait. Thirteen bridges (and two others we looked for but couldn't find) in 8 hours, plus lunch, dinner and three antique stores. Not bad!
Azaleas

Lily of the Valley

Pretty weed?

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