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Cedar Crossing Coverd Bridge Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.

GeoCrater
Geocaching.com Community Volunteer Reviewer

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Hidden : 3/25/2009
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


Oregon has the largest collection of covered bridges in the West and one of the largest in the nation.

The covered-bridge-building tradition in Oregon dates from the 1850s. Out of necessity, pioneers built with the materials at hand. Douglas fir was abundant in western Oregon and well-suited to bridge construction. To increase their useful life, houses were constructed over the timber trusses to protect them from the damp western Oregon climate.

The heyday of covered bridge building in Oregon occurred between 1905 and 1925 when there were an estimated 450 covered bridges in the state. By 1977, this number had dwindled to 56.

Although the Cedar Crossing Covered Bridge is not a true covered bridge as no truss is used for support, Cedar Crossing represents Oregon's commitment to a history rich in covered bridge lore.

Don Clark, former Multnomah County Executive, lobbied for the county to build a covered span. He suggested that the bridge "be over a stream where the foliage is thick and turns to shades of yellow and orange in the autumn and children can peer out windows to see the waters below."

One of Clark's ancestors, who had settled in Multnomah County, helped to promote a bridge across the Willamette. The location for the roofed bridge was found when engineers decided to replace the narrow, deteriorating wooden truss bridge crossing Johnson Creek in southeast Portland.

Work to demolish the old bridge began in November 1981, and soon after, workers cut the stone abutments to accommodate the greater width of the new bridge. The installation of the decking, siding, and roofing was completed within two months.

The cost of the actual bridge totaled $93,450, with related road and abutment work adding another $74,800.

The span was dedicated in January 1982. After the ribbon cutting was completed and the commemorative plaque unveiled, a parade of vintage cars, horse-drawn buggies and wagons opened the span to public use. Although the day was cold and wet, the ceremony was far from dampened as Clark quipped, "If you ever wonder why they put covers on bridges, this weather will tell you."

The interior of the bridge is finished with knotty pine, and a five-foot walkway separates the pedestrian and bicycle traffic from the 24-foot roadway. Five large windows on each side provide light, ventilation and a place " for children to peer to the waters below."

There is a small area to park and the muggle activity is slim although you will be visible to the passing muggle traffic so use stealth.

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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ab arrq gb tb ba bgure fvqr bs srapr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)