Exploring Guelph Part 3

Continuing to explore Guelph 

1. Take a photo at Locomotive 6167 (# 59 from the Guelph Tour Guide)

    

    Built in 1940, Locomotive 6167 was one of 203 "Northern" locomotives used by Canadian National Railways (CN) for passenger and freight service. No. 6167 was based in the Moncton, New  Brunswick area and, during the Second World War, it hauled troops and supplies to the eastern ports. On July 6, 1943, 6167 was involved in a full-speed head-on collision with Locomotive 6166, killing three and injuring many others. Damage to 6167 was extensive but, due to a critical war-time shortage of locomotives, it was repaired and continued in service until 1960 when CN replaced all of its steam engines with diesel engines. It was then re-purposed for special excursion trips through Ontario, becoming known as Canada's "most photographed locomotive".  In 1967, CN presented 6167 to the City of Guelph in honour of Canada's centennial.

 2. Ride the antique carousel at Riverside Park (#63 from the Guelph Tour Guide)

     The Allan Herschell Company manufactured carousels and other amusement park rides, specializing in the production of portable machines which could be used by traveling carnival operators. The company produced over 3000 hand carved wooden carousels that were shipped worldwide. The carousel in Guelph’s Riverside Park is one of only 148 antique wooden carousels still in existence in the United States and Canada today.

      The 100 year old carousel features three rows of jumping stallions, chariots and other figures, operating at 4.5 revolutions per minute. The carousel welcomes visitors seasonally from Victoria Day until mid-September, weather permitting. Although it was closed while we were there, I had fun playing on the carousel horse in front of the mural depicting days gone by,

     Wondering why the word Carrousel in the above photo has two 'r's instead of the usual one?  Or how carousels came into existence in the first place?  Check out this entry on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel

3. Snap a picture of the Covered Bridge (#71 from the Guelph Tour Guide)

     In 1992, 400 volunteers from the Timber Framers Guild worked near the confluence of the Eramosa and Speed Rivers building this covered bridge using an 1888 design. The building of the bridge included nearly 400 people raising by hand the two large side trusses of the bridge, assembling the roof, and then winching and pushing the completed bridge into position over the river. This is a beautiful lattice-covered bridge and part of the Royal Recreation Trail.

Wooden pegs were used to build the bridge

"This post and the one opposite were cut from a willow tree that grew on this site"

View from one side of the bridge

View of the bridge from the other side

     It must have been a special experience for all those who participated in the build of this covered bridge. We can certainly enjoy the craftsmanship that was put into it.

4. Visit the flower clock in Riverside Park (#73 from the Guelph Tour Guide)

     The floral clock is situated in Riverside Park. When we were there it was fall going on winter therefore all the flowers had been removed for the season. In May, before we left Guelph, the flowers had still not been planted. In the summer months it is beautiful. Many wedding parties have their pictures taken here.

Here is a photo of the clock fully planted.

Sculpture with "G" on top

     5. Have High Tea at the Boathouse (we added this one to the list)
 

     This first time I went to the Boathouse for High Tea was in November with Al. There were a variety of teas to choose from and the plate of sandwiches, fruits, scone and pastries was wonderful. We enjoyed it very much.

A & P stopped outside for a photo op.

     The second time I went was with a group of friends. We had a lovely time trying out different teas and enjoying friendly conversation.

Friends together enjoy High Tea

I would highly recommend making a reservation to have a relaxing afternoon at the Boathouse for High Tea. Plus the Boathouse is a one minute stroll to the Covered Bridge. See above.