Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON
It's not every day you come face to face with a seafarer in period costume. I shot this on a grey, rainy day in beautiful Quebec City in September 2005. Some places look unimpressive in inclement weather, but this historic city simply looks amazing in any light.
I was down on the wharf when I realised this tourist vessel was about to set sail for an hour-long cruise. I saw a couple of crew members getting ready to cast off the ropes from the dock and that's when I spotted this person in full regalia on the deck of the ship.
I raced up to the gangplank and asked if I could get aboard, take a few shots and then get off the vessel before it set sail. The crew members were puzzled. They couldn't believe that a tourist with cameras around his neck would not want to take the cruise. But I explained that I only had two days in Quebec City and did not have any time to spare.
They agreed, but I think they wondered about my sanity. So I sprinted up the gangplank, took my photographs and briefly pondered whether I would have to walk the plank to leave the ship. It wouldn't have worried me - but I would have done anything to prevent my cameras from getting wet!
Check out RuneE's "Building Bridges" theme at Visual Norway.
23 comments:
David, that was me! (Not in Quebec, but in Grand Cayman.) I used to work on a replica pirate ship called the Jolly Roger (really original eh!), and would be dressed as a pirate wench for work. I don't think we ever had anyone want to just come on for the photos though!!
Thank goodness you didn't have to walk the plank.
Great idea and photo.
You always have something great and I love to visit.
Our Bridge is Built.
Come visit,
Troy and Martha
Glad you are still here to tell the tale and that your camera didn't get wet.
Hey looks like a loyalist. In the summer we have them all over the place at the harbor.
Nice post and story.
But I love pirates..., if they look nice of course :-)
He certainly does look authentic, doesn't he?
I'm so glad they didn't make you walk the plank. All your precious pictures!!!!
I love to visit 'in period' costume places; it's like stepping back in time. I bet you are hard to keep up with when you are on the prowl for photos though!
"Walking the plank" was a new (and very good) one in the "Bridge connection"! I suppose all you could say was "Aye - aye, Sir" and hope for the best..
PS How about the bottle of rum???
The modern accoutrements in the background kind of defeat the purpose, but neat, anyway!
Great post!!!
That's one serious dude! Was he about to walk the plank?
:-)
Peace - D
MY timbers are shivering..argh matie..
What a great look :)
Peace, Kai
He does have a serious look on his face.
You're right, he doesn't look too jolly. But the tables and chairs are set up and ready for a party!
That's very cool Mr Mac!
aye aye matey, those are a mariner's eyes if ever I saw any...
Argh matey! You should have dressed up as captain bluebeard.
I trust you made it back and met nary a Gilligan?
Old ships are fascinating. I'm not sure if I would want to take the cruise either..at least without dramamine.
WOW...pirates is so s**y...Take a walk over the plank and take a swim over to my place :z Tell me if I have to throw you a safety buoy :D
He was a rather clean looking pirate.
Your subject does look pretty serious. I could see him politely asking you to walk the plank.
Great bridge post, David!
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