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Friday, April 27, 2012

Beautiful Southern Indiana

While investigating my genealogy in southern Indiana,
we visited some other interesting sights as well
such as the Williams covered bridge over the east fork of the White River.

The bridge spans 373 feet, and until September of 2010,
was the longest covered bridge still open to vehicular traffic. 



Upstream a mile from the bridge is the Williams dam



where many fishermen were having good luck.


 

 We also visited the restored West Baden Springs Hotel


a historic landmark known for its vast domed atrium.

The hotel was recently restored and reopened after being closed 75 years.
From 1902 to 1913 the building had the largest free spanning
 dome in the world.

A luxury hotel that is hidden in the Hoosier hills,

it is impossible to capture its magnificence & beauty.  
If you get the opportunity to visit, go. 
You won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Finding My Roots

Our trip to southern Lawrence County, Indiana
had a goal to discover more about my ancestors.
Many of my maternal grandfather's kin
 are from Spice Valley township
where we visited the Liberty Baptist church & cemetery.


There we found the graves of my great grandparents.
I vaguely remember my great grandfather,
 who was alive when I was a toddler.

We also found the grave site of my 3rd great grandparents,

Eli & Thurzy Way.
Thurzy lived to be 103 years old!

We continued our search at Conerley Switch Cemetery

to find my 2nd great grandfather's grave.

And we found the original family homestead.



In addition, we visited the hat factory, now the potter's cabin
 in the Spring Mill pioneer village,
 which was built by my 3rd great grandfather, Young Edwards.
Its interesting, finding your roots.
I can better understand why I love the rolling hills
 and open spaces of the country.

Edwards-Isom Homestead

Spring Mill State Park

This week we visited Spring Mill State Park.

This park has a little of everything...
 
several caves,

great hiking along peaceful streams, old limestone quarries

and under 300 year old tress in Donaldson Woods.


We saw plenty of wildlife

both flora,
 

and fauna.
 
 

 And of course, there is the signature mill, 

and the restored pioneer village

with its gardens 

 and quaint cabins.
This cabin has unique significance for me.
It was built by my 3rd great grandfather
and was one of the reasons we went on this particular adventure.










Monday, April 23, 2012

Musty the Muskrat

Since a mink has moved into the area 
I've discovered remains of a muskrat.
I'd feared that the muskrats had all been killed,
but this fellow has escaped danger so far.

He's moved downstream,
hopefully evading the mink.

He swam up under this sycamore trunk,
thinking he was hidden.

Stay safe fella!

Spring Brings New Calves



I love the face on this little white face calf.
This one is a gem!


Friday, April 20, 2012

Raising a Family

The bluebirds are busy raising their young.





Its hard work keeping those youngsters fed.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Hoosier Horse Fair

The Hoosier Horse Fair is an annual rite of Spring in Indiana.
Horses, trainers & horsemen all gathered together & enjoying everything equine.
 
 
In addition to sales of every kind of tack imaginable,
every breed of horse is represented, as is every style of riding.

From Friesian

to Foxtrotter,

 and reining

to vaulting
 
 
Even the stock dogs had a competition.

The featured trainer this year was Buck Brannaman
It was a fun weekend!