The Bissell Covered Bridge. September 26, 2010
Posted by littlebangtheory in Art and Nature.Tags: Bissell Covered Bridge, Charlemont, MA, Mill Brook, tilt-shift photography
trackback
Took a quick ride yesterday morning to the Bissell Covered Bridge, a local landmark. After a long delay characterized by political wrangling pitting fiscally conservative (and, frankly, pragmatic) folks against those who wanted to see a complete historic restoration, the Bissell is now nicely refurbished; in fact, it’s just about entirely rebuilt:
At 92 feet in length it’s not big by New England standards, but then, neither is Mill Brook, which it spans:
The old, broken dam above the bridge is currently spilling very little water:
…though in the Spring it’s quite impressive.
Inside, this structure is amazing – complicated roof trusses create repetitive patterns:
…while the clean lines of the “long truss” design allow for window-like openings with views of the fall foliage:
The three-inch thick oak planking on the bridge deck is rock-solid and silent to drive over, unlike many older structures; time will tell how it holds up.
My favorite view here is looking downstream, where a beautiful little gneiss gorge carves its way steeply down through a forest of oaks and black birches:
All of these shots were courtesy of Elliot, my 24mm TS-E II lens, with very little tilt (I was able to shoot at relatively high f-stops and didn’t need it,) but lots of shift to control perspectives.
This spot provides photographic subjects in all seasons; you can expect to see more of it here at LBT. 😉
I do like this bridge. You always have eloquent ways of describing things, though, and an intellectual eye that I don’t quite possess. I tend to see a scene as one big picture and think, “Ah, that’s really nice.” Meanwhile your brain automatically drinks in many little parts, and how they work, why they work, etc…Very interesting.
Thanks for the post!
Such a beautiful structure. I’d love to actually take a walk through there some day. This is pretty darn close to that type of experience.
Love the one of the broken dam.
Have a great week.:)
nice!
Ursula, your check is in the mail. 🙂
Vikki, that was the effect I was hoping for – the looking-around-and-noticing-everything feel. Glad it worked that way for you.
Sherry, thanks!