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Friday, April 12, 2013

Tourist Town

What's happening in the parks and rural suburbs of Victoria at this time of year is so engrossing that I tend to ignore signs of spring in the urban areas. Since Victoria is very much a tourist town spring is marked by the reappearance of sights like this horse and carriage tour of the downtown. There are many of these horse and carriages - they are the bane of motorists in a hurry but are popular with visitors. This one (above) is moving down Wharf Street in the oldest part of the city.
Visitor Matthew Feehan sent along this great photo of modern Victoria's original horse and carriage in 1979 (on the right). In the driver's seat is the originator of the idea locally, his brother, Dan Feehan. The horse's name was Danny Boy. While today's carriages can accommodate more passengers I prefer the look of the original, pictured here on Menzies Street. Many thanks, Matthew, for this photo and bit of local history.

10 comments:

Andy said...

This is a classy fun way to see and learn about Victoria or any other city that has horse and carriage tours.

JoJo said...

I remember seeing them parked and waiting for tourists near the Gatsby Mansion and the Coho area. Never took the ride though.

Stephanie said...

I would like to ride one of these some day.

Unknown said...

My brother Dan Feehan was the guy that introduced horse and carriage rides to Victoria back in 1979. Yessiree, it's true !! If you like, Benjamin, I could email you a pic of Dan on Menzies Street with his original horse and carriage. The horse's name was "Danny Boy".

Benjamin Madison said...

Hey Matthew Feehan - thanks for the background on the horses and carriages here - I'd love to see the photo of your brother and the original horse and carriage when you can spare time to send it along - email is: madison (at) fastmail (dot) jp
Thanks,
Benjamin

Benjamin Madison said...

@Matthew Feehan - CORRECTION on the email address - it should be
madison (at) fastmail (dot) us
(NOT (dot) jp)

Unknown said...

Will do

Unknown said...

Benjamin: I sent it this evening Wed April 17th. Let me know if you got it or not. If not, I'll re-send it

Lowell said...

I love these! We have very similar carriages in St. Augustine which is reputed to be the oldest city in the United States. Lots to see and this is an enjoyable way to do it.

Lovely photo!

William Kendall said...

Lovely shot. We've got some of them here as well downtown in the summer.