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Saturday, August 21, 2010

Upper Gorge - Craigflower Manor and School

This photo is meant to serve as an introduction to the next few days' posts. Here we are looking up the Gorge from the Craigflower Bridge. To the left just out of the frame is Craigflower Manor, one of the earliest extant colonial houses in British Columbia, built in 1856. Off camera to the right and behind me is Craigflower School, the oldest schoolhouse in western Canada (1855). Together they constitute a National as well as a Provincial Historical Site. During my visit I was fortunate to encounter a guide both informed and patient who took me inside both of these old buildings and gave me some insight into their history. Thank you, Cailin Glenn, for the great tour. Between them, these two buildings provide a wonderfully evocative snapshot of life in Victoria's earliest days and tomorrow we'll have a look at them as well as what's behind their doors.

6 comments:

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Wow, this is a gorgeous photo. Love the reflections.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Mike Laplante said...

I paddle under this bridge all the time. Your lens distorts it almost to the point of being unrecognizable.

If you continue up to Portage Inlet off the right there, then turn right again you'll come up against some fabulous homes, some with their own private beaches. (I once featured photos of some of these on my blog.)

They would be tucked in behind the homes that line the north side of Admiral's Road. From the street side that neighbourhood is kind of shabby. You wouldn't suspect such fabulous home in this area.

JoJo said...

That is an outstanding photo!! Just beautiful shades of blue and green!

Dean Lewis said...

This is one terrific 'capture' and reproduction of the azure of sky, and what beautiful gradation from the horizon.

Clueless in Boston said...

Beautiful. The reflections are wonderful.

Dave Harris said...

Love this shot!