Stone Soup

Sunday was such a nice day, I went for a drive, didn't know where when I set out but ended up in St Jacobs Ontario. Browsing through a local paper while drinking my coffee in Tim's I noticed an article on a local covered bridge. It is the only covered bridge in the province of Ontario and I was within minutes of it, well maybe 20 minutes. It wasn't difficult to find the bridge, the first person I asked told me how to get there.
I drove up to and through the bridge, parked near these old sheds and walked back. I know they are just old sheds but I found them interesting and the light was good, I was already loving the feel of the place and got my camera out. The air was cold, my fingers were freezing as I held the camera.

The sun was strong but it didn't warm the air as I walked toward Ontario's last remaining covered bridge. It stretches almost 200 feet across the Grand River.

This bridge is still standing after more than 100 years because of the roof that has protected the huge timbers and trusses. Uncovered wooden bridges have a life span of only 10 to 15 years.

The bridge was built in 1881 and underwent major repairs in 1999. Light traffic still crosses the bridge daily and many horse and buggies cross on Sundays. This is Mennonite country.

I am told horses fear rushing water and often become spooked as they approach bridges. A horse will trot up to the opening of a covered bridge and clip-clop through, reassured by the side walls and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The blue sign to the right of the bridge opening reads:

This structure, the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario was designed by John Bear in 1880, on the authority of Woolwich Township Council, to replace an earlier bridge over the Grand River. Built a year later by John and his brother, Benjamin, the 198-foot bridge was covered to protect the wooden flooring and frame against the elements. Known locally as the Kissing Bridge, it later came under the jurisdiction of Waterloo County. In 1937 the province assumed responsibility for the Guelph-Elmira Road, including the West Montrose Bridge, and its floor and sub-structure were subsequently rebuilt and reinforced.

The bridge is often referred to as "The Kissing Bridge" because it is enclosed and the soft light provides a feeling of intimacy for the romantic.