Sanctuaire de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

The Saint Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica in Quebec is an imposing but beautiful building. It’s surrounded by flat river side countryside and low lying buildings so it really stands out.

Got lots more photos from inside, hopefully to be posted over the next few days.

Aperture ƒ/11
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/200s

Steps to Montmorency Falls

If you’re adventurous or just have strong legs you can climb the many steps to the top of the hill overlooking the Montmorency Falls.

I climbed the steps with a few of the other Automattic guys and took in the breathtaking view over the St. Lawrence River up to Quebec City. Add to that the thunder of the nearby falls and it was well worth the climb.

Aperture ƒ/8
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 88mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/160s

Montmorency Falls

You’ll find Montmorency Falls just outside Quebec City in Canada. They’re an imposing sight, visible from the highway and by foot you can almost reach the base of the falls. Bring a coat and protect your camera because you’ll be soaked by spray!

Remember that Balloon Boy story last week? People have been searching for the boy since the story broke. Searching online that is. On that day, my Balloon Boy was the number 1 hit for that phrase in Canada (and elsewhere) and this site served an extra 10,000 or so hits. People are still searching and it’s boosted traffic levels nicely.

Pity it’ll all disappear once the controversy dies down.

Aperture ƒ/7.1
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 88mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/125s

The old town of Quebec

Quebec city recently celebrated it’s 400th birthday, making it one of the oldest cities in North America! Here’s part of the tourist area of the older part of town. A lovely walk through a beautiful area.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 28mm
ISO 400
Shutter speed 1/50s

Night Over Quebec

Night falls over Quebec as we finish our tour and photowalk around the city. ISO 1600 came in very useful as the sky got darker! Pictured here are a few of the buildings just outside the old city walls. I think the Hilton is the building on the right.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 400
Shutter speed 1/100s

Chemin des chutes

A waterfall near where I’m staying in Quebec. To get to here you need to descend about 100m of steep steps but there are frequent observation platforms to observe the waterfall. On the way back up, those platforms were a welcome break from the hard slog of climbing. My legs were like jelly by the time I reached the top.

Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/125s

Wet, shiny stones

The outgoing tide on Fountainstown Beach leaves behind wet stones and seaweed as it retreats.

This is a long exposure shot of one second with my camera resting on one of those rocks!

By the time you read this I’ll be on a plane, in the air most likely, or waiting for a connection in Heathrow more likely. More details to follow.

Aperture ƒ/22
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 21mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1s

Around by St. Luke’s

A white van rounds the corner at St. Luke’s Church at St Luke’s Cross in Cork. Taken on the photowalk a few weeks back.

Aperture ƒ/5.6
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/60s

Corned Brisket

One of the many butchers in The English Market. I’ve had brisket a few times, but only ever in the USA. Doesn’t seem to be a popular cut of meat here.

Taken on the World Wide Photowalk on July 18th.

Aperture ƒ/4
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 1600
Shutter speed 1/250s

Parked Cars on South Mall

Cars parked on South Mall, Cork. The financial district of the city.

Aperture ƒ/5.6
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 18mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/80s

Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Blackrock, Cork. It’s named after Pádraig Ó Caoimh (no relation), “a native of Roscommon, this War of Independence veteran became secretary of the Cork County Board at 21, and he began a 35-year stint as General-Secretary of the GAA barely a decade later”(ref)

Michael Jackson and U2 have both played here in the distant past.

Shot from the roof of the Montenotte Hotel during our last photowalk. You can also see the Marina, the River Lee and Lough Mahon in the distance.

Aperture ƒ/5.6
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 106mm
ISO 100
Shutter speed 1/200s

St Patrick and the Volkswagen

A Volkswagen Beetle parked across the road from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on the Lower Glanmire Road in Cork. The church was built in 1840. The car, not so old.

Shot on the recent photowalk in the city.

Aperture ƒ/11
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 18mm
ISO 400
Shutter speed 1/320s