Frozen Pond

The Mary Ruffner Covered Bridge, built in 1875, resides on private property in Perry County, Ohio.

With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, this charming covered bridge was relocated to a private property in Perry County in 1986. It’s name pays homage to Mary Ann Ruffner Hill, born in 1802 in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, who embarked on a journey to Fairfield County, Ohio with her family in 1805. Mary's legacy remains a pivotal part of the Ruffner family's extensive list of historic sites and monuments.

I’m always searching for unique foregrounds in Ohio, and I found this iconic bridge from a photo shared in a Facebook group. I contacted the property owner, met him on the land and used planning apps to ensure the vision I had in my mind would come to fruition. He graciously granted me permission to be on the property during the night to capture the Milky Way over this beautiful bridge.

Is it worth sacrificing sleep, sometimes braving the cold, and embracing the darkness of the night? The answer, for me is "Yes!" To capture moments like this, the experience is nothing short of priceless. And finding locations not only to showcase the beauty of Ohio’s landscapes, but to feature historical locations is a testament to the dedication and passion I have to seek the extraordinary, even in the middle of the night.