Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Not So Jolly, Roger

Aye-Aye, Captain, There's A Pirate On The Bridge

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:

Mima said...

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!!

Texas Travelers said...

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

Maggie May said...

Glad you are still here to tell the tale and that your camera didn't get wet.

Mom Knows Everything said...

Hey looks like a loyalist. In the summer we have them all over the place at the harbor.

Anne said...

Nice post and story.

But I love pirates..., if they look nice of course :-)

Kat said...

He certainly does look authentic, doesn't he?
I'm so glad they didn't make you walk the plank. All your precious pictures!!!!

Celebration of Life said...

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!

Rune Eide said...

"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???

Lana Gramlich said...

The modern accoutrements in the background kind of defeat the purpose, but neat, anyway!

Anne-Berit said...

Great post!!!

RiverPoet said...

That's one serious dude! Was he about to walk the plank?

:-)

Peace - D

KaiBlue said...

MY timbers are shivering..argh matie..

What a great look :)
Peace, Kai

Andrea said...

He does have a serious look on his face.

Tess Kincaid said...

You're right, he doesn't look too jolly. But the tables and chairs are set up and ready for a party!

b. said...

That's very cool Mr Mac!

Lavinia said...

aye aye matey, those are a mariner's eyes if ever I saw any...

Mega said...

Argh matey! You should have dressed up as captain bluebeard.

Anonymous said...

I trust you made it back and met nary a Gilligan?

none said...

Old ships are fascinating. I'm not sure if I would want to take the cruise either..at least without dramamine.

FANCY said...

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

Alex L said...

He was a rather clean looking pirate.

San said...

Your subject does look pretty serious. I could see him politely asking you to walk the plank.

Unknown said...

Great bridge post, David!