God Bless The Moreland Covered Bridge
by Gene Walls
Title
God Bless The Moreland Covered Bridge
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
When I arrived to photograph this bridge, I was immediately greeted by a violent thunderstorm and torrential rain! I "rode out" the storm inside the bridge, as I waited for the rainfall to diminish. My patience was rewarded with the vision that you see pictured here.
The sky was still very gray and there was a thick mist in the saturated air. The sun was able to peek through an opening in the clouds, just above the horizon, before disappearing behind the mountain.
This is the Moreland Covered Bridge near Lairdsville, Pennsylvania. The bridge is on Covered Bridge Road, off of State Route 118, in eastern Lycoming County. It is also called the "Frazier Bridge" or "Lairdsville Bridge" and is one of the finest examples of the true Pennsylvania covered bridge. The bridge has survived 125 years of thunderstorms, floods, hail, wind, snow and every temperature extreme imaginable. I thank God that this bridge still stands, as a testament to our rich heritage!
Hurricanes Irene and Lee almost destroyed this great landmark in 2011, several years after this shot was taken. Fortunately, the bridge was being refurbished when the floods hit and it was saved, Today, it looks just as perfect as it did in the 1880's. The next image in this portfolio shows the restored bridge, as it looks today.
The Moreland Bridge was built in 1888, permitting safe passage across the Little Muncy Creek in Moreland Township. It is also known as The Fraser Covered Bridge. The structure still has all of its original timbers, in a classic Burr Arch design. This bridge is officially listed on the US National Historical Register on on July 24, 1980 (#80003568) and has been beautifully restored and maintained by the Lycoming County Commissioners.
A Canon EOS 10D DSLR body, fitted with a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L Zoom lens was used. The lens was set to its widest focal length of 17mm. The shutter speed was 1/90th sec at f/4, ISO 100. This photograph was taken hand-held with no post processing or alterations.
Your comments are always welcome! Constructive criticism is appreciated.
© 2009 Gene Walls
Uploaded
April 6th, 2013
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Comments (9)
Jan Dappen
love love love this....just my cup of tea...Awesome covered bridge and capture of the light coming thru the trees. Wonderful photography!
Jack Zulli
A beauty of a capture at the right time of day, nicely composed;) v
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very much, Jack! Right time, right place... and I was glad I hadn't left before the sun broke through the clouds. Kindest regards, Gene
Carol Montoya
I love the light breaking through the mist onto the covered bridge! Sometimes it's all about the moment..beautiful! v/f
Gene Walls replied:
...and what a "moment" it was, Carol! The sunbeam only lasted for a minute or two. I was so glad I didn't let the storm chase me away before the sunshine returned. Thank you very much! Kindest wishes, Gene
Jordan Blackstone
Gene, this is beautiful! The rays of sun and the background in kind of a mist...great capture! =) v
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you so much, Jordan! It was an unusual set of circumstances that came together in just the right way. Kindest wishes, Gene
Byron Snider
Perfect timing and perfect lighting conditions, This is a stunning work. Love it fv
Gene Walls replied:
Greatly appreciated, Byron! It was a huge surprise when the sun suddenly broke through the clouds. Thank you! Best regards, Gene
Eti Reid
I just love the gorgeous way the rays are coming on the left, Gene! Such a great image! f/v
Gene Walls replied:
Thanks a bunch, Eti! The unexpected sun rays really made my day. I was so glad I stayed until the storm had passed by. Kindest wishes, Gene
Donna Kennedy
Nice rays shining on the bridge Gene, a true photographer has lots of patience and will wait for the shot no matter what! :)) vtd
Gene Walls replied:
Greatly appreciated, Donna! Thank you! This bridge was completely restored last year and looks fantastic today. I am glad I was able to get before and after shots of this historic landmark. Kindest regards, Gene