Trail Ridge Timber Frames, Inc.

France Tour 2007

(the mystery of the famous peg burglaries)

In 2007 members of the Timber Framers Guild of North America (including myself) set sail for France to explore the woodworking habits and skills of the local carpenters in the regions south of Paris. Our goal: to show them how far superior we are in all aspects of woodworing and... improve relations between France and the U.S. The following photo journel of the trip shows how incorrect our (my) assumptions were. The French carpenter guilds (compagnons) are some of the oldest in the world. Their skills have been developed and refined for centuries and are unsurpassed by any carpenters I've seen in many other countries.

On this trip we will see rare and priviledged glimpses high in the bellfries and timbered roofs of some of the regions oldest churches. We'll try to tackle the riddle of the famous twisted church steeples found in the countryside surrounding Vitre. What caused them to twist? Was it design or accident? We'll witness first hand the strange and bizarre dormers of Chateauroux. And of course, we'll sample as much fine French cuisine and wine as possible. However, since I couldn't read the French menus I ate street side chocolate crossiants constantly with an occasional stop at McDonalds.

My fondest momentsof the trip were: in Paris - playing my flute by my open hotel window in the afternoons and walking around the Latin Quarter late into the night where I watched a Greek restaurateur smash a plate on the ground every time I walked by. I walked by several times. I think he was trying to get me to eat at his restaruant (what a strange marketing strategy). Other highlights of the trip were: climbing through the attics of the midieval churches, touring the compagnon schools, wine country, and of course, Castle Chambord. But more exciting than all that, was, when we solved the case of the famous peg burglaries that had been plaguing European timbered buildings for the previous 7 years. During this time someone had been steeling the oak pegs used in timber frame construction typical of historic buildings*. Having been in the same countries at roughly the same time and place as the burglaries, I for one, can sleep at ease knowing now that the culprit has been apprehended and that buildings around the world are safe. Follow the clues and you too can help solve this heinous crime (Important - you must read in order starting with the Paris section.) Have fun and...

welcome along!!!

(photos by Mark Miller. Story and narrative by Mark Miller. Inspired by possible true events. Some aspects of the following log may include fictitious events and characters. The views expressed here do not necessarily represents those of TRTF Inc, normal humans, and the TF Guild.)

*This peg was "obtained" as evidence from the site of the first robbery in Rottweil, Germany over 7 years ago. (Photo courtesy of Official German Police records/peg thievery division)
             
When in Paris do as the Parisians, which for me was this fine moment at a cafe eating quiche loraine and drinking - no, not Fat Tire. Since I arrived 3 days earlier than my fellow explorers I spent that time exploring areas like Monte Marte, The Louvre, and Moulin Rouge. I stayed in a 15th century hotel in the Latin Quarter. It was in Paris that we first came across the trail of the peg bandit. After Paris, I joined my group and we headed for the town of LeMans the day of the great race.

See more of Paris and LeMans.
The trail of the peg thief had gone cold in LeMans so we headed to the small town of Vitre.

See more of Vitre and Surrounding Area.
This part of the trip took us through the Loure Valley which is famous for sparkling wine, caves, and stone work. We visited the towns of Tours and Angers. It was in this area that we climbed into tall midieval church roofs and spent the day exploring.

See more of Lourie Valley and the Towns of Tours and Angers.
The last few days were spent in the town of Blois, pronounced "blah" - which it wasn't at all. It is a wonderful town full of windy streets, timbered buildings, a large castle, and best of all,it was from there that we ventured over to Chambord. Pictured here to the left, Chambord is the most amazing building I have ever seen. It was also at Chambord that the nasty affair of the peg bandit reached its exciting conclusion. After Blois we headed south and witnessed the strange and bizarre dormers of Chatearoux.

See more of Blois, Chambord and the Strange Dormers of Chateauroux.

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