Where the heck is Andrew Jay...: 11 Bridges…

Sunday, May 23, 2010

11 Bridges…

If you follow this journal, even sporadically, you know that we like the Drumheller area a lot. You can read all about our adventures in the area by clicking any of the following links to past entries:

So that should give you a pretty good idea about what is here, what we like about it and just how nice the area is. Well after all the touring around we have done in past trips, we thought we pretty much covered it all. Nope. We had never turned right in Rosedale. This little stretch of highway was less than 10km long, ends in a tiny place called Wayne and it was famous for the 11 Bridges that cross the little river that winds it’s way through this scenic valley. All but the first bridge are 1 lane bridges, so you have to watch for oncoming vehicles and they are all wooden decked. It was a very neat way to spend a part of the afternoon. There were a few little campgrounds along the way, but nothing too exciting. It was a lot of fun to count along as we crossed each bridge, as Andrew was really into the bridges. Truth be told, there are 22 bridges along the way as every road crossing mirrors a rail crossing next to it.

The road ends in the ghost town of Wayne, where a 1920’s coal rush era saloon still stands. We went in and got an ice-cream for the little guy (and me) and enjoyed looking at some antiques and not so old antiques for sale in the little general store. That is bridge 11 in the bottom right. Notice the railway bridge on the left?

We didn’t spend too much time in Wayne as there isn’t much to do there, so we headed back to Drumheller as I had to pick up a couple bolts to fix our awning support. Turns out the weight of the snow made some damage, as it snapped the bracket rod that hold the awning leg to the camper. A couple holes drilled, a couple bolts and Nylock nuts installed and we are better than new.

Not much else to tell about today. The weather was pleasant (comparably) and we just lazed around, went for walks and had a nice day!

Andrew ran and ran and ran today! The donkeys are plum tuckered out… Notice how white the ground ISN’T! Another keeper picture! He’s always finding ways to smile!