To Ring a Bell!

Over the weekend, we did visit the PNER convention in Portland - we took a look through the trade show & said "Hi" to friends!   Brian found me sitting on a saddle!  I got a big hug!  So very happy to see him looking so "sound"!  :-)  Also took a good look at the saddle that will probably be my next purchase, more on that later.  

The Church Spire

We met up with our VBF Bruce, to take a tour of the amazing church where he is responsible for facility maintenance.  Over our years together - (Bruce has known Butch & I longer than we've been married :-) one or the other of us three have been involved in some incredible projects.  We've taken each other on "tours" that others would pay money to see.  This time though - it was a trip back in time.

Butch & Bruce admire the view from the roof~

This particular church is the oldest in Portland, built in the early 1800's.  The "Spire" or Bell Tower is part of a building who's architecture has withstood the test of time.  To maintain this facility takes dedication & research. 

The Spire against a blue sky~

The Spire dominated the skyline.  Housed within is a Bell, molded from a Civil War cannon.  Of course...  wanted a picture of it!  Bruce just smiled - I know that smile - it means I'm "in for it"!

The drop down ladder~

 The drop down steel ladder was only the first of a series of obstacles that were enough to make some faint of heart - but I'd asked for it!   Next, was a spiral rod-iron staircase - that went up, up, up...

Amazing craftsmanship on a staircase few ever see~

Once at the top - we arrived in the room below~

Rope for the bell hanging down behind Butch & Bruce

This looked like a room from a medieval novel!  Since the old wood stairs are the the next phase of the climb - it was one person at a time!

Going Up!

We arrive at the first platform...  Next...  ladders...  did I mention that I don't like ladders?

Another platform & another ladder, more going up & up...

First view of the Bell

So...  I hear my husband say...  "I thought you wanted a picture of the patent date?"  Well...  yes I did...  but I'm NOT going to climb up there to get it!  Guess who does?

It's an old Bell!

Butch on the ladder

"OK" I say... now get the heck DOWN from there!"  (He's wearing cowboy boots!

"Oh no" he says - we need a photo of you!

Honestly?  Do I look even 1/2 way as scared as I was?  Bruce was below to catch me if a fell :-)

Bruce waits to guide me back through the hatch~

The thing I've never liked about climbing up, is going back down!  In the room below the bell - was the rope that can be used to manually ring the bell.  Bruce asked if I'd like to ring it?  OH!  YES!  So - I carefully pulled on the rope - the clapper struck the Bell - & it RANG!  What an amazing sound!  I'm sure people in downtown Portland wondered at the Bell ringing - not on it's usual schedule?  :-)  What an honor! 

History of the Bell

 A day I will never forget!  Thank you Bruce~!