- building bridges – part III -
Want to read this series in order? Here is part I and part II.
It really was a family effort today. Martin helped us choose the beams and the wood for the bridge. Stefan, Martin and I then loaded up the tractor and took the wood to the bridge site.
Foundations were sought out, and with a bit of elaborate lateral thinking, 
we decided on a very large tree stump for one side. The other side was an old axle that had been ditched. Sounds strange, and looks a little odd but much better to use it than leave it in the forest where someone has dumped it. At least now it is serving a purpose again. Also it should provide a little give for the bridge as the temperature changes.
Next we laid the two beams. Spent a long time making sure they are level. Much better to invest the time here to make sure everything else falls into place correctly. Quick break for lunch and a bottle of beer. Then we cut the cross beams (made much easier with a chainsaw!). Next we nailed down the cross beams. 
Hey presto, our bridge was functioning well. It is solid and looks good (even if I say so myself!).
To finish off we made a ramp for one side and a rock exit on the other. With a little tidying of the path, UpandDownhill is proud to announce the opening of their first bridge.
