The Tin Top Bridge Mystery [Archive]

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Gilk51

12-04-2005, 03:28 PM

One of my agenda items yesterday was to go looking for this alleged suspension bridge in Parker County. Now, I had heard of a bridge before and had wanted to look for it - I had heard that it was supposedly still around.

Here is what is says in National Register of Historic Places (http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/TX/Parker/state.html)
Tin Top Suspension Bridge ** (added 1983 - Structure - #77001464)
2 mi. S of Tin Top on SR 1884, Tin Top
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Parker County
Area of Significance: Commerce, Engineering, Transportation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Road-Related
Current Function: Transportation
Current Sub-function: Road-Related

But another listing at Bridgemeister (http://www.bridgemeister.com/list.php?type=state&state=Texas) says this:
1906 Tin Top (Hightower Valley)

Tin Top, Texas, USA (Brazos River)
Mitchell & Pigg

References
HAERTX98 Use: Vehicular
Status: Removed
Main cables: Wire (steel)
Main span: 400f

Notes
Similar to 1906 Brannon's Crossing - Parker County, Texas, USA

USGS entry: Hightower Bridge (http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnis/web_query.GetDetail?tab=Y&id=1337759)
Feature Name: Hightower Bridge
Feature Type: bridge
Elevation (feet): 718
State: Texas
County: Parker
USGS 7.5' x 7.5' Map: Tin Top
323435N
0974919W

USGS also has an entry for Tin Top (http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnis/web_query.GetDetail?tab=Y&id=1379164)

TxDOT has this entry: Suspension Bridges (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/BRG/HistoricBridges/HistD.htm)
including this note at the bottom:
None of the Mitchell and Pigg bridges are still standing today although the Hightower Bridge at Tin Top survived almost 77 years until it collapsed in February 1982.

(the next page in that article mentions the Regency bridge)

Another Hightower Bridge (http://www.brainygeography.com/features/TX.bridge/hightowerbridge.html) reference...

And a Handbook of Texas (http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/TT/hvt85.html) entry:
The Tin Top Suspension Bridge, which spans the Brazos River, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

From a 1981 map (http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=13&Z=14&X=381&Y=2253&W=1), you can see Tin Top and FM2580. If you zoom in one level you get a 1979 map and can see the Hightower bridge but no 2580... :-?

A list of Brazos River Bridges (http://www.loc.gov/catdir/toc/ecip0511/2005010870.html)

I got some help from Kelly (FWRex) yesterday after leaving Stephenville. Now, Kelly really knows the roads southwest of Ft. Worth. We looked at a standard Texas map (which leaves out a lot of FMs) and figured out how to head that direction. We did 1188 and 1189 thru Lipan, took a bit of 4, and then crossed the Brazos on 1189 again. At a stop, He said "I think I know a shortcut to get there"... :roll: Ho boy, here we go, through Dennis and some other places, but dang if we don't end up southbound on FM1884 - exactly where we should be. http://www.texasarlingtoncs.us/pics/smilies/righton.gif

However, I expected to come to a dead end or see a bridge. Instead, we ended up intersecting FM2580 right at Mary's Brazos Cafe, just north of where 2580 crosses the Brazos. We went across the highway and stopped at a gas station. Another rider also was stopping (riding a Suzuki Intruder 1400) and we talked to him a bit. He was from Granbury but considered himself a local & said that the bridge was long gone. Anyway, we talked with him a bit before heading up to I20 and home.

So what is the deal with this bridge? There is conflicting information & it sure seemed longer than 2 miles down FM1884 to any kind of bridge. You would think that Handbook of Texas Online would know whether a bridge was in use or not... :roll: (I had a reference that said "In Use" but could not find it again)

Otherwise, it was a good day of riding with Kelly. The wind was really a problem for me with my tall bike, top case, and non-aerodynamic profile. Kelly faired better on his ZRX.

-------

One last note - while looking for the Tin Top bridge, I found a reference to TenMile bridge in Tarrant County. Looks like something to look for (this may be the one I was originally thinking about)...

-------

Oh yeah - a pox on you guys that have posted bridge finding trips and pictures recently! GRRR - you got me into this... You know who you are! :angryfire

FWRex

12-04-2005, 04:29 PM

That was a good ride, yesterday. Sorry we were a little bit late getting to see the bridge, Chuck. About thirteen years too late...:-) The next time you're considering a "find-the-bridge" foray, give me a shout. I think I'm catching the bug, too.

Kelly

Soloman

12-04-2005, 04:32 PM

I'm not but I might after finding two small old bridges on county roads in Collin County last weekend. One was nearly all gone and the other under repair, if I could have gotten around the gates, I would have gone over it.

bushwhacker

12-04-2005, 05:21 PM

This has a number of bridges listed in Texas

http://www.lat-long.com/Texas/Bridge.html

This is the listing for Tin Top

http://www.lat-long.com/Texas/Tin-Top-Suspension-Bridge_2031641.html

I found this one searching for covered bridges in Texas a while back and I want to check it out.

http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasBridges/Canadian-River-Wagon-Bridge-Texas.htm

=

12-04-2005, 07:29 PM

GoogleEarth shows the Hightower and Tin Top bridges in the same location. Just go to Weatherford, TX and head south on FM 2580 until you cross the Brazos River (32 34 33.57N 97 49 17.85W). FM 1884 intersects 2580 just north of the bridge. 1884 crosses 2580 several times north of the river.

Maybe the Parker County hall of records might have more info...

Cheers! M2

Tourmeister

12-04-2005, 08:07 PM

Geez, do I need a bridge subforum? :-P

From Killeen, head South on FM 440, and go right on FM 2670 towards Maxdale. Just past a cemetery on the right, there is a little turn off on the left. It is the old Maxdale Rd and there is a cool bridge that goes over the Lampasas River.

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/022104-centex/DSC01350.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/022104-centex/DSC01351.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/022104-centex/DSC01349.JPG

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/022104-centex/DSC01348.JPG

Closed to traffic. Given the amount of rotten wood on the decking, that is probably a good thing ;-)

Paoli Veloce

12-04-2005, 08:24 PM

"Geez, do I need a bridge subforum?"
:bigokay:

Wow, a TWT Bridge Club!

Paul B.

kurt

12-04-2005, 08:34 PM

I need a picture of the old "Airport Road" bridge in Georgetown just outside of Berry Creek Subdivision. I don't know why I'm always attracted to it, but it does look cool for an abandoned old bridge.

Gilk51

12-04-2005, 09:10 PM

Sorry we were a little bit late getting to see the bridge, Chuck. About thirteen years too late...:-)
I think you mean 23 years too late. :-D

12-04-2005, 09:15 PM

Would this be the bridge in question on the Old Maxwell Road??

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/th_MaxwellRdBridgeLampasasRiver.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/MaxwellRdBridgeLampasasRiver.jpg)
(Click on picture for full image)

Cheers! M2

Gilk51

12-04-2005, 09:19 PM

Would this be the bridge in question on the Old Maxwell Road??

If the lat/lon on the photo is correct, that bridge would be about 100 miles or so south of the brazos river. Looks promising, though...

12-04-2005, 09:19 PM

You must mean the one on the left, on what is now CR 190...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/th_AirportRoadCR190BridgeGeorgetown.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/AirportRoadCR190BridgeGeorgetown.jpg)
(Again, click on picture for full image)

Sorry, the best I can do is aerial imagery...

Cheers! M2

12-04-2005, 09:25 PM

Chuck

Here is a wider area shot, does this help??

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/th_MaxwellRdBridgeLampasasRiver2.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/MaxwellRdBridgeLampasasRiver2.jpg)
(Again, click on picture for full image)

Cheers! M2

Gilk51

12-04-2005, 09:26 PM

12-04-2005, 09:31 PM

Still think that this is the wrong area - both photos have a latitude of 30N, the Hightower Bridge is at 32N - about 120 miles difference.

Oh, it just occured to me - is this the location of the bridge near Killeen? I thought that these might be old photos of the Hightower bridge...

Chuck

Sorry, yes, this is the bridge south of Killeen that Scott is talking about. GoogleEarth did not show anything other than the concrete bridge at Tin Top/Hightower...

The second image is for the Old Airport Road (CR 190) bridge txmedic was referring to. Sorry, I guess I got a little wrapped up in the bridge thing, simply as when we (USAF intel) do targeting, they are just a lot of fun to work...

Cheers! M2

FWRex

12-04-2005, 09:57 PM

I think you mean 23 years too late. :-D

Er, uh, yeah. Sorry, my math skills are a bit off, today. Must have been something that was burning upwind of us, yesterday.http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6436/smoke1ds.gif

kurt

12-04-2005, 10:21 PM

12-04-2005, 10:32 PM

Kurt

From a different angle...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/th_AirportRoadCR190BridgeGeorgetown2.jpg (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c209/M2Repsol/AirportRoadCR190BridgeGeorgetown2.jpg)
(As usual, click on picture for full image)

According to GoogleEarth, it is 121 miles from where I live in San Antonio, most of it IH-35 to Exit 266, then not too far from the Interstate. If I am ever in that area, I will check it out and take some pics for ya!

Cheers! M2

kurt

12-04-2005, 10:43 PM

kurt

12-06-2005, 12:54 PM

Here it is:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_0392.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_0393.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_0394.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_0395.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/kurt1305/Pictures/IMG_0397.jpg

Munson

12-06-2005, 01:07 PM

Oh yeah - a pox on you guys that have posted bridge finding trips and pictures recently! GRRR - you got me into this... You know who you are! :angryfire
Chuck, have you see the one lane bridge at Carpenter's bluff? It's a fave destination of ours.

http://www.co.grayson.tx.us/Historical/Mark062-1.htm
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/CC/hrc27_print.html
http://members.panaband.com/bgriffin/images/one-lane%20bridge.jpg

12-06-2005, 01:18 PM

Kurt

Cool, I wouldn't have guessed so much of the structure was left from the Google imagery...you are a brave man to walk out on that rotting deck!

Cheers! M2

12-06-2005, 01:25 PM

Tx Rider

12-06-2005, 04:07 PM

Tourmeister

12-06-2005, 04:12 PM

From that site... check this out:

Ellis County Spring Creek Bridge (http://www.texasescapes.com/Preservation/Endangered-Spring-Creek-Bridge-Ellis-County.htm)

Munson

12-06-2005, 04:16 PM

http://www.texasescapes.com/Texas_architecture/TexasBridges.htm

I've been to a couple of the bridges on this list, Want to go see more next year though and find a couple I saw as a teenager around LaGrange.
In 2001 on a trip to Port A we found the Piano Bridge near Dubina. We did the painted church tour that day. There's another good quest! :-)

scratch

12-06-2005, 04:20 PM

From that site... check this out:

Ellis County Spring Creek Bridge (http://www.texasescapes.com/Preservation/Endangered-Spring-Creek-Bridge-Ellis-County.htm)

From that link:

After hearing the requests of their constituents, the county commissioner decided that an appropriate response would be to authorize filing suit against the citizens who are trying to save the bridge...
How's that for responsive government? :angryfire

Sleepy Weasel

12-06-2005, 04:21 PM

More on Carpenter's Bluff bridge here (http://www.texasescapes.com/CentralTexasTownsNorth/Carpenters-Bluff-Texas.htm).

Oh great, Chuck, now you've got me out bridge hunting! And not for the same reasons as I used to hunt bridges!

Cheers! M2

Ah, that's this one...
http://texasbreeze.com/photo/thumbnails.php?album=14

It was kind of exciting waiting for a break in oncoming traffis so Wabbit could shoot this video:
http://cracked-egg.com/triumph/carpentersbluff.wmv

Tourmeister

12-06-2005, 04:23 PM

How's that for responsive government?

You don't really believe "Of the People, For the People" do you? :nana:

scratch

12-06-2005, 04:56 PM

You don't really believe "Of the People, For the People" do you? :nana:
Yes, I do. I also believe that sometimes you have to fight to keep what's yours. That was the premise behind the American Revolution, IIRC. ;-)

But, we digress. I'm kind of surprised that nobody has mentioned the Waco Suspension Bridge that was the precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge. John Roebling was the contractor for it and supplied the original cables. It's one of the most historically significant bridges in Texas -

http://www.historicbridgefoundation.com/images/texas/prairies/mclennan/pl_wacosusp_b.jpg

12-06-2005, 08:23 PM

Ah, that's this one...
http://texasbreeze.com/photo/thumbnails.php?album=14

It was kind of exciting waiting for a break in oncoming traffis so Wabbit could shoot this video:
http://cracked-egg.com/triumph/carpentersbluff.wmv

Sleep

I was expecting helicopters and napalm with that music!

Glad to see you survived your "cruiser" days! :rofl:

Cheers! M2

Gilk51

12-06-2005, 08:50 PM

Here it is:

Hey!? What is that last picture? :-P

Cool bridge - at least it hasn't been torn down & you can still see it...

Tx Rider

12-07-2005, 11:36 AM

From that site... check this out:

Ellis County Spring Creek Bridge (http://www.texasescapes.com/Preservation/Endangered-Spring-Creek-Bridge-Ellis-County.htm)

I tried to figure out where that bridge was on the last Pie run to Edom, I didn't have any luck. I still hit a few little old bridges on some old dirt roads though.

I wish I could remember the town I ran across that bridge at on the way back from Big Bend.

http://killer.playnet.com/pics/BB04/KIF_0884.JPG

I can't remember the name of the little town, the little road that goes off to the bridge was obviously the main road through at one time, but the highway bypassed it and the old middle of the little town.

Tourmeister

12-07-2005, 01:30 PM

:tab So what is it about bridges that are so fascinating? Is it just old bridges? Or do new bridges do it for you as well? A few years back we went up to Massachuessetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Beth and I spent the day exploring the wooded countryside and encountered numerous old covered bridges. They are really cool. Interesting that they never caught on down here. I would guess that has a lot to do with the lack of snow here in comparison to New England :shrug:

Tx Rider

12-07-2005, 02:18 PM

It's the old iron ones for me, I just like to look at how they are built to spread the load stresses etc. Bridges are a great open examples of engineering for loads with some creative artistic aspects on some of them.

Like the bridge building simulator "bridge it" which is neat fun if you like that kind of thing.

HiSPL

12-07-2005, 03:32 PM

Yes, I do. I also believe that sometimes you have to fight to keep what's yours. That was the premise behind the American Revolution, IIRC. ;-)

But, we digress. I'm kind of surprised that nobody has mentioned the Waco Suspension Bridge that was the precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge. John Roebling was the contractor for it and supplied the original cables. It's one of the most historically significant bridges in Texas -

http://www.historicbridgefoundation.com/images/texas/prairies/mclennan/pl_wacosusp_b.jpg

I got married right there!

kurt

12-07-2005, 04:11 PM

So what was to the left of the Waco bridge? Did it pre-date the current one?

scratch

12-07-2005, 04:27 PM

I was wondering the same thing Kurt, but couldn't find any mention of it. It may just be the remains of an abandoned railroad trestle.

I got married right there!
Cool! They say you can rent the bridge for private functions. Since it's kind of low for bungee jumping, I was wondering what people might use it for... although marriage is kind of like taking a leap. Or so I hear. ;-)

HiSPL

12-07-2005, 04:54 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: :moon:

We rented it for 25 bucks IIRC. Would be a cool place to have a Moto get together!

I'm pretty sure that the pillars to the left are old RR tracks. They don't predate the bridge though.

Waco's Historic Suspension Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. The bridge was built with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Crucial to traders and travelers for well over a century, the bridge stands as an icon of Waco history and is the centerpiece of many community festivals and events including the 4th on the Brazos celebration and Brazos Nights concerts.

Dragwn

12-14-2005, 10:25 PM

Gilk51

12-15-2005, 07:26 AM

So, when does the Bridge Club get together? Next year is going to be a more riding year for me, wether my SO likes it or not.....depression from not riding, is a bad thing. One weekend a month, Bridges and BBQ? Bridges and Pie if the bridge(s) are on the way to or from a Pie run?
Like everything else, just suggest something & you'll usually get a response.

I like the once a month bridge adventure, followed by food... :-D

Any bridges around College Station on the 31st? ;-)

4 No Trump. :roll:

Paoli Veloce

12-15-2005, 09:05 AM

The TWT Bridge Club......a few Aces & plenty of Jokers. :-D

I'll be the Dummy.

Paul b.

scratch

12-15-2005, 09:21 AM

...Any bridges around College Station on the 31st? ;-)
Actually, there's an old bridge very similar to this one -

http://twtex.com/linkfiles/022104-centex/DSC01350.JPG

- about 30 miles northwest of the B/CS area. It crosses the Little River just north of the town of Gause. From Bryan, head north on Hwy 6 to Hearne, then turn west (left) on Hwy 79. Go to Gause and turn right on FM 2095. Go @ 2 miles to CR 264 and turn right. The bridge is about 1-1/2 miles down the road. CR 264 is a gravel road but usually well-maintained up to the bridge. If you continue across the river, the road will eventually (5 miles or so) put you on FM 485 at Branchville just west of Hearne.

Another interesting feature near the bridge is Sugarloaf Mountain. It's a steep sandstone hill just south of the bridge. When I was a kid, we would climb up to the top to enjoy the great view out over the valley. However, I wouldn't do that now as it's on private property.

Squeaky

12-15-2005, 03:34 PM

The TWT Bridge Club......a few Aces & plenty of Jokers. :-D

This is just waiting to be made into a T-shirt! :rofl:

Tourmeister

12-15-2005, 03:42 PM

:tab I had no idea there would be so much interest in Bridges. Perhaps I should have a sticky thread about bridges where everyone can post about ones they are looking for or have found? Or would people prefer a forum for it?

ColGoodnight

12-15-2005, 09:21 PM

:tab I had no idea there would be so much interest in Bridges.

Well, unless you ride a Rokon (http://www.rokon.com/), bridges are kinda integral to motorcycling. ;)

http://www.rokon.com/img/prod_ranger_floating_big.jpg

Tom

Dragwn

12-15-2005, 09:23 PM

Squeaky..if you print them, we will come :mrgreen: and maybe in smaller font under it.."Have Pie, will Fly" of course...food could be another shirt entirely..."Pie, BBQ..and Gasoline, ask me what they have in common"

1TallTXn

12-20-2005, 10:09 AM

Bridges looks like an interesting hobby. From the sound of it they are all on off the beaten path roads, so maybe I NEED a DS to do this bridge hunting. Sounds like a good excuse to me :) :)

kurt

12-20-2005, 10:27 AM

Geocaching sounds like another interesting hobby for the TWT crowd given the interest in churches, bridges, court houses and historical markers voiced over the last couple of years.

ColGoodnight

12-20-2005, 12:06 PM

From the sound of it they are all on off the beaten path roads...

There are plenty (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6611) of great Texas bridges on good pavement - but do get the dual sport anyway!

Tom

SirWilhelm

12-20-2005, 01:24 PM

This bridge that DynaSport photographed looks like the one north of Coleman, when heading for Cross Plains, and I think it is at Burket. Lots of real pretty lupins etc. in early spring here.
http://killer.playnet.com/pics/BB04/KIF_0884.JPG

And as to geocaching, that is one of my big hobbies just now. I have been putting caches out all around San Angelo. Read more about it at www.geocaching.com. Lots of the caches are put out to make folk get out and hike or drive out in the country. Like the one at Nipple Peak north of Bronte. After a rain it is an adventure even in a car to get out the caliche road to the cache and safely return to dry pavement. But since 9/11 we have had to be careful with caches near bridges, railroads, dams, courthouses etc. But if someone is doing a courthouse run, they could include the geocaching, as I have one at the old courthouse in Sherwood, out west of San Angelo.
And it's up windy county roads, under pecan groves and maybe some caliche to challenge even the dual sport bikers.
Bill
San Angelo
(newly back to 2 wheels after 38 years-- boy that little Harley I had sure doesn't compare even to the S40, much less some of the bigger bikes out there now)

Squeaky

12-20-2005, 02:36 PM

Geocaching sounds like another interesting hobby for the TWT crowd given the interest in churches, bridges, court houses and historical markers voiced over the last couple of years.

Absosmurfly!
I found my first cache this summer, and now I'm hooked! :rider:

Gilk51

12-20-2005, 08:19 PM

Absosmurfly!
I found my first cache this summer, and now I'm hooked! :rider:
I guess I need to read up on what exactly this is - anyone have a quick definition? (no TM, yours are too long) ;-)

kurt

12-20-2005, 08:32 PM

I guess I need to read up on what exactly this is - anyone have a quick definition? (no TM, yours are too long) ;-)

From the www.geocaching.com

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they should try to leave something for the cache.

Gilk51

12-20-2005, 08:44 PM

So, I guess the "cache" would be found in some type of box? If so, I can see why that might be a security risk...

Does sound interesting, though...

SirWilhelm

12-20-2005, 08:46 PM

Geocaching is the use of the several billion dollar military satellites to find tupperware boxes in the woods. Geocaching is the worldwide game where someone goes to a park or out in the rough, hides a box of junk (trinkets, McD toys, gaming pieces from Las Vegas, knick nacks that you were going to throw out, plastic key chains, etc.) and you use the gps coordinates to find, log that you found it in the log in the cache (treasure) and then exchange junk for junk (trinkets for trinkets).
It is a fun game that gets you out to places you would normally either not know about or go (safe places). Most are designed as a family thing to do. I have two coins from tables in Las Vegas that were in caches that I exchanged for other things. And some will use the coins they bring back from vacation and put them out. One family was looking only for caches to collect different coins from around the world for a school project. One guy here is putting gate pass buttons from the Indy 500 in some of the ones he finds. You also get to find spiders, and snakes and chiggers, and other bugs. Two here in San Angelo are hanging from trees that are in the river, and to get to them requires Kayak or flat bottomed boat. Some are in "hike in only" spots. And some are just along trails used by hikers, horses or trail bikes (I have some that the trail is so rough that they zip by on their bike before they realize where the cache was).
Go to www.geocaching.com and put in your zip and it will show you caches in your area. Most have clues but you need the GPS to get close enough to find the hidden decon container, bottle, tupperware box, ammo box, or whatever. There is one in Austin in a restaurant that is a small container inside a wooden fish at the place. Hard to find and not be too conspicuous. Like scavenger hunts except this is take something and leave something and/or just sign the log.
And you find parks in your area you didn't know about, or monuments, etc. And with kids you can kill a day and thoroughly exhaust them! Or for AARP folks, it gives us a reason to get out and move around ("hey, I'm off to look for some caches" forgetting to say that they are up to 30-40 miles around, and it'll be 4-6 hours out wandering) There are lots in the big cities, and we have over 200 caches out here in a 15 mile radius of San Angelo. And Abilene is doing the same there. There are retirees who travel based on where the caches are, another reason to stop and visit a State Park, or whatever. Lost Maples, Enchanted Rock, San Angelo State Park, etc..(but none in Federal parks, they don't like the game).
My favorite is called Windswept and it is in a closed park on the east side of St Lucia.
Cheers from West Tx
Bill
WB5ZAM
SJT

SirWilhelm

12-20-2005, 09:00 PM

We had two here that I disabled that were on top of the big dam here. One overlooked the airport. Now wouldn't that look real suspicious to an overactive imagination of a Homeland Security person. "What ya doing?" " Um. looking for a film cannister hidden up here." "And which foreign gov't do you work for?......etc." Like one other site someone was in Corpus taking pictures of the Court House and was thrown to the ground, handcuffed, harassed, etc. until they decided that he was just taking pics of the courhouses of Texas, via m/c.
The geocaching is similar, so we try not to put them near schools, or bridges, airports, train tracks etc.. Of course our train service only goes to Mexico, and no passenger service, but we had to pull ones closer than 200 yards from the tracks/trestles.
Bill
SJT

budzrex

12-20-2005, 09:16 PM

Bridges are cool, there used to be a nice old
suspension bridge over Mill Creek off of 159
between Fayetville and Industry. You cant
see it from the road it is about a half mile down
a gravel road. Off I go to find my old county
maps:rider:

Dragwn

12-20-2005, 10:08 PM

Bridge hunting...Geocaching for those of us without GPS :mrgreen: Paper Maps, not just for back-up.

howdydo

12-21-2005, 10:12 AM

Another interesting feature near the bridge is Sugarloaf Mountain. It's a steep sandstone hill just south of the bridge. When I was a kid, we would climb up to the top to enjoy the great view out over the valley. However, I wouldn't do that now as it's on private property.

Scratch,
Do I know you???? Sugarloaf was one of the places I used to go when I was MUCH younger.... I believe that it was private property even way back then....
Liz

Tx Rider

12-22-2005, 12:55 PM

Yop I think that's the bridge alright, I can see it on a the aerial photos of Burkett, coming into the west side of town on 206. I passed the road that cuts off to it and had to turn around and go back to check it out.

I also see the bridge I pulled off of to adjust my chain with the abandoned building and dam with the pond, looks like Hay creek.

A lot of caches aren't boxes or bowls but old ghost towns, nice views, scenic spots etc.

I had a lot of fun riding solo back from Big Bend to Dallas checking on a few, and none were boxes.

hardybaker

12-25-2005, 08:00 AM

I know of a Tin Top Bridge that is for sale, about twenty miles from my home. Don't know where it came from. I seem to remember that it is taken apart and in two pieces. It is presently sitting near a road, in a pasture. (not across a creek or river). If someone bought it, and needed a place to put it, I have just the lake to put it across.

JROBERTS_BREWER

12-25-2005, 09:17 AM

We ride to Eureka Springs, Arkansas from Dallas every long weekend we can. I'd like to mention something Paul Turner-White showed me on a cycle trip this fall.

North of Eureka we went across a long, narrow suspension bridge with wood cross-tie planking. Very cool as it bucked with the weight of hundreds of motorcycles crossing. I believe it is goes over Table Rock Lake at Beaver near Holiday Island. There is a similar suspension bridge near Iron Eagle (Close to the Pig Trail). Try this URL..

www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&cat=&address=&city=holiday+island&state=AR&zipcode=

James

ColGoodnight

12-25-2005, 09:17 AM

So what is the deal with this bridge?

Bridges Over the Brazos (http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2005/mcconal.htm) says the Tin Top suspension bridge was washed out in floods in 1980.

Tom

Tourmeister

12-25-2005, 06:49 PM

Howdy James! :wave:

Here's the bridge you are describing, It crosses the White River (which becomes Table Rock Lake in Missouri) just North of Beaver Lake. It is part of Hwy 187.
http://twtex.com/linkfiles/052805-TWTArkRally/DSC03725.JPG

JROBERTS_BREWER

12-25-2005, 09:01 PM

That looks like the one. I'd never crossed a light suspension bridge on a motorcycle before.. The road surface undulates as you cross.. Very interesting.

I loved that part of arkansas.. Riding the Pigs Trail was and breakfast in Hunstville, Ar were great.. I think my riding group will return in March with some desparatos from the ZZR1200.net group. I can't wait.

scratch

12-28-2005, 09:13 AM

Scratch,
Do I know you???? Sugarloaf was one of the places I used to go when I was MUCH younger.... I believe that it was private property even way back then....
Liz
My family spent a few years in Hearne when my father worked for the Southern Pacific railroad. We moved to Houston around 1970. My older sister married a local guy and moved back near there - her name is Georganne Muse.

That area right around Sugarloaf Mtn. would make an excellent state park or nature preserve. Back in the 60's, the owner didn't seem to mind people crossing the fence to climb up to the top, but that was back before everybody got so litigious.

howdydo

12-29-2005, 02:17 PM

My family spent a few years in Hearne when my father worked for the Southern Pacific railroad. We moved to Houston around 1970. My older sister married a local guy and moved back near there - her name is Georganne Muse.

That area right around Sugarloaf Mtn. would make an excellent state park or nature preserve. Back in the 60's, the owner didn't seem to mind people crossing the fence to climb up to the top, but that was back before everybody got so litigious.

OK...
Your time in the area was about 5 years before I started going out there...
I agree about the park! I can remember many good times at Sugarloaf, and would love to be able to go up there again! The only view to be had around here!

JROBERTS_BREWER

12-29-2005, 06:03 PM

Ok, I'll bite.

Is the Waco Suspension Bridge still standing?

scratch

12-29-2005, 08:06 PM

Ok, I'll bite.

Is the Waco Suspension Bridge still standing?

Yes it is - check pages 3 & 4 of this thread. ;-)

Teeds

12-29-2005, 08:35 PM

I guess I need to read up on what exactly this is - anyone have a quick definition? (no TM, yours are too long) ;-)

geocaching ... where you are the search engine!

Although I have not searched out a cache as yet, have you tried looking for benchmarks? Too much fun and a direct connection to the past. I recovered a benchmark in Terlingua this weekend. Sawmill Mountain to be more exact. I need to log my report, but it is the first time it has been logged since being set in 1934.

Attached is a file of waypoints for various bridges. I blithely cruised past Joppa last week and missed bagging two. :headbang:

Tourmeister

12-30-2005, 02:01 AM

Did anyone notice where this post resides now? ;-)

jhansen

12-30-2005, 02:22 AM

is this a trick question?:huh:

jhansen

12-30-2005, 02:23 AM

Now that I have taken the time to read the entire page, Texas Bridges! YOU DA MAN!:rider:

Teeds

12-30-2005, 05:04 AM

Did anyone notice where this post resides now? ;-)

Nightowl !!

I like it though.

Thanks Scott! ;-)

Gilk51

12-30-2005, 06:54 AM

Did anyone notice where this post resides now? ;-)
Nope - just follow the link in the email notification...
Then process all of the "new" posts?
It's Friday, where are we?
-or-
Friday, where are we? :lol2:

Hey, cool, a bridge section!
Ha! Hey, Sleepy! I'm the first topic & I didn't do anything to get here!
http://www.texasarlingtoncs.us/pics/smilies/dance.gif

Paoli Veloce

12-30-2005, 10:46 AM

Will previous threads re: bridges be moved to this section?

Thanks for setting up this & the other sections, Scott.

Paul B.

Tourmeister

12-30-2005, 11:36 AM

What other threads are there besides this one? If you see one, post the link to the thread here and I will move it. Or just PM me with the link.

Paoli Veloce

12-30-2005, 02:01 PM

Here's another bridge:
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6343

Paul b.

Gilk51

12-30-2005, 02:15 PM

Here's another bridge:
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6343

Paul b.
Yeah, I think we can blame Paul for starting all this madness... :roll:

ColGoodnight

12-30-2005, 03:36 PM

What other threads are there besides this one? If you see one, post the link to the thread here and I will move it.

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6611&highlight=twenty

Tom