check out the map. We went clock-wise.
We got going a little later than I had hoped and we slabbed it up to PA and got off I-83 at Shrewsbury and started taking a more direct route towards Wrightville, PA and the nearest bridge across the Susquehanna.
Along the way, just northeast of Yorkana, PA, I saw a road sign I just had to have a picture of...
After the first two covered bridges (Forry's Mill and Siegrist's Mill), no breakfast and no bridge pictures either; we decided to stop in Silver Spring, PA for breakfast. It was 11am and the church crowd was packing this little place so there was a line to get seated...
but the french toast was worth the wait.
The first bridge after breakfast was Schneck's Mill bridge...
Crossed but didn't stop for Kauffman's Distillery bridge and continued on Shearer's Mill in Manheim. This bridge is a sort of centerpiece for Memorial Park and is only open to foot traffic. This is not the original location of the bridge. The local community all chipped in and paid to have it relocated in its current home.
While negotiating the streets around Manheim, we saw our first Amish family heading into town in horse-drawn wagon. Beth was very excited having never been up into Lancaster county nor seen any Amish before.
I tried to figure out where the Eichelberger's bridge was but I couldn't find it so we continued on to the Erb's Mill bridge. (sorry, no picture) After we crossed Erb's Mill bridge we came to the end of Erb's Bridge and turned right on Middle Creek Road. At the corner is an Amish church and all the Amish boys in their black pants, white shirts and black straw, narrow rimmed hats. We waved as we passed and then notices at the front of the church all the young girls groups together. It was quite and interesting site and Beth could hardly contain her excitement after we passed by.
Keller's Mill bridge is no more, I'm sad to say. If they moved it, I don't know where it is now. There is a very nice, new, wide concrete and steel span where the covered bridge use to be. I blame either a flood or progress.
Since we had started late, I decided to drop off the extreme north-eastern bridges from the tour and instead, head southwest zig-zagging back and forth across US-222.
Bitzer's Mill bridge crossed then stopped long enough to get a picture of Zook's Mill bridge.
Zipped across Zook's and turned around and zipped back then turned south with Pinetown and Hunsecker's Mill bridges still to go before a break.
Hunsecker's Mill bridge...
We decided to make a quick stop into the PA Dutch Country Visitor's Center. This place was like a little local restaurant's paper place mats. Blocks of local advertising except this was in full color.
Of course, what's the point of going to Amish country if you don't get some...
Jackson's Sawmill caused us to pause and take a break off the bike. The location seemed to be very secluded, nestled in a little valley. Caused me to take lots of pictures.
White Rock Forge bridge was nestled too but it needed to be viewed from a distance.
Pine Grove bridge went across the Octoraro Creek while the dam to the left held back the Octoraro Lake.
Nothing too exciting for the trip home. We cross into Maryland on US-1 and zig-zagged our way across Hartford county into Baltimore county to pick up Dulaney Valley Rode and finally the Beltway to get home.
It was a perfect day for a ride and it was a perfect ride. I guess that's about the best.
