The day started off HOT – the temperature was expected to reach the upper 90's. Ellen, R2, Mary and I met at Bob Evans for our ride to see two bridges – one a low cement bridge in Front Royal, and the other an old, historic bridge over Goose Creek near Upperville.

The leader (R1) missed the exit off Rt. 66. So we take a leisurely ride along Rt. 66 for 30 extra miles. The heat radiates from the super slab. Finally we exit close to Linden onto Rt. 55, a shady back road. This takes us to our stop for lunch at the Apple House. This stop was recommended on the website Virginia Wind.

Lunch was good and so was the service. Inside the ladies' room there were "pink ladies" painted on the walls. From here we look for Happy Creek Road and the low bridge over the Shenandoah River. After a few u-turns, we find the way. This spot along the Shenandoah is a popular hangout for fishing and swimming. It is beautiful with a great view of the mountains as we cross the bridge.

We are all trying to stay cool in the oppresive heat of the day. Making our way back east, we stop at the Hunter's Head Tavern, hoping to cool off with cold drinks and air conditioning. The service here was disappointing. Heading back on Rt. 50, we look for Lemmon Bottom Rd, which goes to Goose Creek and the historic stone bridge.

There is a steep, curvy gravel road leading down to the historic marker and a place to observe. R2 stays here while the rest of us walk over to the bridge, which is closed to traffic.

Walking across, we could sense that this bridge has stories to tell. And I could feel the souls of the soldiers that fell in battle here.

We are not far from home, and we take The Plains towards Haymarket. It is a wonderful ride in the country. Our goal is to have ice cream at Pickle Bob's, but it was not meant to be. There was a very long line. So we opted for McD's. But wait - the ice cream machine is BROKEN! NO ICE CREAM FOR DITR! We settle for ice cold drinks and time to cool off before heading home.

We had a wonderful ride despite the heat. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

This is a cool website
that shows a photo of
Goose Creek Bridge
with Civil War soldiers
standing in front
Route 50 Places

Information about the
bridge from Wikepedia

Writing on the historical marker at the site: "Built between 1801 and 1803 during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, this elegant four-arch bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark. It is the longest remaining stone turnpike bridge in the state, and one of the oldest in the Commonwealth. The Fauquier-Loudoun Garden Club maintains the bridge with funds raised from private donations."