Hello and welcome to part 22 of our journey through North Carolina.
While driving around Claremont, NC we became aware the state of NC was home to two covered bridges, one of which was right here in Claremont and the other was further west in Mt. Pisgah. Well, you know from our Pennsylvania road trip covered bridges are an interest to us so we were off this find Bunker Hill covered bridge and learn more of this 1894 feat of civil engineering.
As we admired this structure we met David a local contractor and he noted being there to study the structure of the bridge. He shared that his company, Corban Homes of North Carolina , was building a home in the area and the property had a bridge on its property built about the same time as this one. He said that to get the materials to the building site however they were going to have to widen the bridge. The town board however wouldn’t approve their plan and insisted the existing bridge not be “modernized”. The town’s suggestion however was bringing out of retirement a bridge builder that was the only one still alive familiar with that type bridge. The board would then see how the changes could be made and still maintain that bridge’s original existence. It was interesting to hear David talk as he studied the construction comparing it to modern times and how the old ways were still very much in play today.
David opened about his early beginnings working with his dad and brothers in the building trades and one thing he said that caused us to pause and reflect was an observation he had made comparing then and now. He noted his early beginnings, twenty some years ago, how folks worked passionately alongside the contractor as their dream home was being built knowing it would house the family and all its memories for the tomorrows to follow. He kind of lamented a bit as he said this was no longer true. Most people today, he noted, just want the house built as fast as can be so they can move in and get on with the “business” of life. He noted that even though this was a sad reality, he and his brothers still cling to their passion of building each home as a work of love for the new owner’s foundation for whatever dreams they choose to develop.
What a great attitude David had and he was so grounded and open about his faith in God. We know one thing for sure and that is if we were to have a home built he would be our builder of choice.
As we walked toward our vehicle we could not help feeling touched once again by the stories we continually hear of holding on to traditional values and working hard to be a person of character. We know you are following us David, so know we salute you and your efforts and know others are joining us in saying be safe and keep doing great work.
Well this is it for today. We hope you come back and see how the trip unfolds as we share more of the USA Through Our Eyes. Until then be safe.
🙂
hugs and peace your way (well in the blogosphere kinda way)
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These are awesome thoughts to hold on too. Thank you.
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glad yo be here on your journey – cos you all might be going through the US – but your lessons and rich experiences shared have this global commonality with bloggers around the world….
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Thank you so much for saying this. It is so nice to hear because as we progress in years and step outside of self and into truly listening to people and what they go through we can’t help but see His hand. The stories we hear on the road as we meet people truly inspire us and being able to share those stories is precious to us. So nice having you along with us to grow with.
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well said – and I also like how you mentioned this contractor’s values and love for God.
I know some bloggers only want to write about God and they feel the need to drop “God seeds” at every chance – and maybe that was “me” back in 1992 – lol- but you guys write about God so naturally – and just let it weave into posts naturally – that is so nice
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Wonderful.
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We hear you with regard to passion seeming to be lost a bit in these days. To us passion is what fuels our lives. You have this passion and we saw it in your post on the art world. Its funny how we can feed off the passions of others to keep us going!!!!
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thanks – and so cool how it tied right in….
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This is so nice of you to share the post. Please always feel free.
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well I would want him to build my house too – and this was a great thing to share – because our culture is changing – and there is a rush to just get on with life.
and side note – i am linking this to a post I just put up (if that is okay) cos you really grabbed the essence of someone having passion in their work as well….
xxoo
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Thank you. I don’t want to miss any part of the trip. 🙂
xx,
mgh
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Hi Madelyn. #23 was under the “video” icon. It can get confusing and we are trying to figure out how to better index. We’re that work in process, lol. Here is the link though: https://usathroughoureyes.com/2017/09/04/van-travels-murrays-mill-claremont-north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway-video/
Hope you enjoy.
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What happened to #23? Did you misnumber or have I missed one?
xx,
mgh
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We have been to Vermont but always on a mission to get to our destination and never took the time to embrace the beauty of the region. Reading your post Deborah made us know we need to visit there and explore more. You describe it so beautifully and it is how I recall growing up in the Adirondacks, a stones throw (if you throw real hard) to Vermont.
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I worked in Bennington, Vermont. The bridge was just on the outskirts of that little village. I don’t recall if there were more than that one in the area. There are a few around there. I just remember those gorgeous fall colors with the babbling brook beneath the bridge, quaint white farmhouses adorning the emerald fields. Such a picturesque area. I’ll be looking forward to when you visit there!
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Thanks, you too 😁👍🏻
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Your words give us all kinds of smiles. Be safe.
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I love being here (: I smile every time I read your blog 🙂
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Thank you. We are so glad having you along with us.
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Glad your builder friend and the state made a good compermise! We recently visited some of the the covered bridges in Vermont, and I’m with you, they are beautiful! Great photography too, that is some of the best!
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Thank you Deborah for being along with us on our adventures. We can relate to what you felt passing on those covered bridges knowing the history of those passing over it so many years prior. Vermont is a place we hope to visit soon and we’ll have to look up where that bridge is. We too like seeing them.
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I love covered bridges! When living in Vermont, I took one to work each day. Beautiful structures…and you can somehow see and feel the love that went into each one. Rather like the houses that people once built. Most new houses today just don’t have that feel. They aren’t part of the family, just a place to reside, as David said. I love reading about your visits…and you come across some very interesting people!
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Always!
And I am certain the time you share blesses each and every one of you…and then it touches all who read your posts 😊
🇺🇸
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Thank you Candace. We are leaning that you can’t be love and the passion it gives to fuel our dreams.
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Thanks…
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Awesome Anindya to hear from you and making time to be with us. Congratulations on setting up your new site and we’ll be there. Looking forward to swapping journeys with you.
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Lorrie your words so wonderfully encourage us. We are discovering how great it is to step outside of ourselves and meet and really listen to the incredible folks we meet through our travels. We truly believe we are the ones more richly blessed from having had the experience. We too hope your weekend is full of love and light. It is so nice that you make time to share with us!!
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Aww.. I really enjoyed this. The bridge is beautiful. I think these days, most people do things for the money aspect rather than for having a love and passion for it. You can tell when something is done out of love–there is a special feel to it, whatever it is–there’s a difference. Great story guys 🙂
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Hi….lovely reading……and lovely snaps too…..
I have moved on to my new self hosted site http://mydailyjournalonline.com/…….would love to have you there sometimes…:)
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Thank you – takes one to know one? (or in this case two to one) – lol
xx,
mgh
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😉
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Audrey and Tom…I just love the way you can retell a story in a way that makes me feel like I was standing right there the whole time! What a wonderful gift! And to be able to travel and make human contact with so many people…well …I would think it is a super feeling for you guys and im certain you touch every one in return! Hope your holiday weekend is full of love and light 💜
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You are awesome Madelyn. You are such a kind and thoughtful person!!!!
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And cute – don’t forget cute – lol.
I’ve been looking for a post to which adding your site made sense – and this one is perfect I think.
I also added a link within the text directly to one of my favs – your post about the piano tuner and the trains. There’s also a link to Audrey’s wonderful photo site within the text itself. I hope folks WILL jump over to check out one of the three. They’ll become followers if they do, I have no doubt.
xx,
mgh
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Thank you Robbie. We so enjoy learning and growing. We find with all the people we meet each one leaves us more award. We are so glad having you along with us and share each others adventures.
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What a wonderful post, Audrey and Tom. It is a great tribute to your natures and characters that you enjoy such interesting things and meet such lovely people who confide so much in you.
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He was such a good young man and yes one that you’d be proud to bring home to meet the family.
This is so neat that you’ll be noting about our blog on one of your post. This to us is a wonderful honor. Thank you.
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Thank you Anne. It may be because of the economics of scale. As we travel we too see houses going up at rapid rates.
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Yes….balance. We’re still working on getting a grip on it, lol.
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Thank you Eugenia for sharing this thought with us. You encourage us so much.
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Thank you! for a little more of your adventure. 🙂
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Another interesting find – and the contractor is just the kind of guy I’d hoped to meet in my younger days: cute, with high standards (and practical skills, lol) 🙂
Be sure to check in next Friday (9/8) – I’ve featured your blog at the end of an article on avoiding stereotypying. It’s linked to the blogroll of your adventures, so I doubt you’ll get a pingback.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
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Unfortunately, I’ve heard similar negative sentiments expressed by those in the building trades. Profits, rather than quality, are often held in higher consideration.
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Very interesting. And David sounds like a very good builder to choose. Not many like him and I wonder if that is in part because of the economics of scale. Near where we live there are more and more subdivisions being thrown up. Hundreds of houses. There cannot be much connection between the house created and the builder. Thanks for this post it is nice to read this is still existing.
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In some ways I envy the younger people growing up with internet…all that wonderful knowledge just a google away. But there is the other side of it, as you say, the ignoring of our surroundings and people sitting across from us. Balance, the secret of life! (well, one of them 😀 )
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I love your journies and that you take us with you.
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Indeed it is! I love reading about your journeys 👍🏼✌🏼️💚💙💜
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Well we’re sure glad you are with us on these adventures and seeing the bridges through our eyes.
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Amen to this. Remember those days of everyone sitting out on the stoop! Today we don’t see that. Everyone is too busy playing their Gameboy with ear buds in, listening to something they call music and forgetting to look up at the beauty of what,s around them. Slays us when we see young couples out for dinner and neither is talking to the other but they are tapping those keys to stay tuned to their social media accounts.
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Yes. So true.
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We sure do!!!!
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Giggling is a good thing Margaret, giggle, giggle!
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Thanks Laina. Yes, like you we are trying to write the real deal and there are a lot like us that are. Ain’t it great!!!!!
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People used to take pride in the things they built. Like it was an extension of them. Now it seems like everything is just assembly line cheap and fast. I would certainly rather have something that was made with time and care.
I’ve never seen a covered bridge. I’ve traveled all over the Western States. Maybe one day I’ll make to the east. Meanwhile I’ll just share your adventures.💌
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Yes! I grew up in the city and we were always sitting outside on the steps (singing, quite often!). There is a lot of good today, but I miss some of the past, too 🙂
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“Business of life”. What a perfect description.
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Well, then, the next time someone needs proof of Him, and says “Lord give me a sign” we have one for them 😉 hahaha 🙂
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:):):) I don’t know why but this made me giggle.
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Yep! Me too. The media have totally lost touch with reality. Or they’re trying to socially engineer us, keeping people divided and conquered. But I’m getting all theorist now lol. But I reckon I’m not totally alone in my thinking, either lol. Maybe one day the media (or some of the people) will wake up. Y’all are writing the real deal 👍🏼👍🏼💖
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Yes, real news. It amazes us to compare it with the TV. Sometimes we wonder where we are or they are, lol.
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Thank you.
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We do see it.
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Yes it lets one know who you are talking with.
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That is SO cool! Traveling is one of the best forms of education and wisdom I’ve ever experienced. So enriching! What you’re seeing is the *real* news 😁👍🏼🌷💝
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Thank you very much! 🌺🌺. It really is amazing 💖. Y’all stay safe, too! I think we’re sending some rain up there, now in TN and NC and whatnot 💚💙. You’re in my prayers as well! 😘☮
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You are too kind. I don’t see it, if you do, it is proof of God for sure :):)
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You are so right about the correlation between faith in God and good character and integrity. It’s always a blessing to meet someone who loves God so much they just can’t wait to share it 🙂
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One only has to look at you and see these traits!!!
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Thank you Margaret. He was a young man with wonderful faith and not afraid to show it. There is always a joyous correlation between faith in God and good character and integrity.
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We’re doing good. We are getting out there and seeing these great United States and learning to listen more deeply to folks and about their lives. So many stories of good folks wanting to do good in a world that often doesn’t encourage it.
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We’re glad you’re holding in there! Amazing how a crisis really brings out the reality of folks. Be careful out there and know you are in our prayers.
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Thanks Clarissa. Yes, wasn’t that interesting for him to say. It made us reflect a bit of days past and the truth behind his observations. One can only wonder if happiness really exist in those huge homes with no activity happening out on the lawns.
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How about you? I’ve been thinking about y’all, too! Looks like you’ve gotten to see some great scenery 😁❤️❤️
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Hi! It’s always wonderful to chat with you too! 😁. Yeah, I’m doing bit better 👍🏼. It ebbs and flows, but pretty good at the moment 💖. Our area has gone totally batty lol; we’ve got a logistics-based gasoline shortage, so everybody’s freaking out and hoarding and whatnot. Faith in humanity restored to its default lower position lol. But the weather is beautiful, and we’re safe and dry, and all the basics are met, so we’re sitting pretty good 💗💗☮💗💗
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I love covered bridges :):) David, the contractor, seems to be a great soul, and I agree if I wanted a contractor, he would be the guy. Thank you so much for the pictures and wonderful story :):)
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An important observation about people once wanting to be part of the creation of their home but now, just wanting it built quickly in order to get on with “life.” Nice post!
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Thank you Laina. It is always nice when we are able to chat with you. Are you feeling better? How are things in your area? We’re thinkin of you.
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Oh wow! So pretty 😊 I love those bridges ❤️
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