West Montrose Covered Bridge

This entry was a special request from Clay.

Although not abandoned (duh) the bridge is historic, certainly well known and a frequent subject for photographers from far and wide. It is claimed to be the last covered bridge in Ontario.

I've attached a link to the Township of Woolwich which both gives info and what is on the plaque posted next to the bridge. For those that are too lazy to click on the link:

• was designed in 1880 by a John Bear to replace a previous bridge crossing the Grand River.
• was built in 1881 by John and his brother Benjamin.
• is 198 feet (60 meters) long.
• underwent extensive reinforcement and rebuilding in 1937.
• further major repairs in 1999.
• aka the kissing bridge due to it's covered nature and the alleged feelings of intimacy it brings about in the romantically inclined. If you don't mind spiderwebs all over the damned place, I guess it could work.
• the Woolwich site claims an uncovered wooden bridge would have a lifespan of 10-15 years due to the harshness of the elements.

The first shot (taken 2008) is interesting because typically people line up their shot from the banks of the Grand. Being a dedicated person when it comes to getting the pics I want, I waded out into the middle of the river and stood atop a submerged boulder with the water level at my nether regions, wobbling as I snapped. Luckily I didn't fall off but regardless it was a crappy point and shoot I was using at the time. I then went on to Elora gorge to get soaked anyways...

The rest were taken just today, as after Clay made the request I realized most of the shots from 2008 kinda sucked. So I played hookey and made the trip to get it done.