Sun rays penetrating a cloudy sky over the Atlantic Ocean on a January morning in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Seen from the deck of the Beach House we stayed at for the Christmas through New Year's weeks in 2021-2022. This was our third year of spending this holiday time on the Outer Banks with family and friends.
A few days before I was to head down to Daytona for 1989 Speedweeks I noticed an interesting sky beginning to develop to the west from the deck at our home in Brandermill. Since we were only a mile or so from Swift Creek Reservoir I jumped in the car and drove over to see how it would look there. Got this with the wide-angle lens as the sun dropped below the tree line.
This photo was made in 1972 at the corner of Rue Saint-Pierre & Rue Sous-le-Fort in Basse-Ville or Lower Town. This was the original commercial area of Quebec City with docks, warehouses and wharves. Named after Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer who founded Quebec City in 1608, Quartier Petit Champlain is considered the oldest commercial district in North America. It had fallen into disrepair in the late 19th century, then to be revitalized later in the 1970's. Seeing all the acitivity and upscale tourist commerce that takes place there today, it’s hard to imagine that 50 years ago this area was run-down and looking for a new lease on life. In a 1972 visit I had noticed this spot looking up the street at the Chateau Frontenac sitting on the cliff above with the nice old wall, and the St-Pierre sign. It was an interesting composition but needed a little more. I started looking around and noticed these two young women walking my way. Thinking this was the possible added interest that could bring it together I told them what I was trying to do and asked if they would help me by posing by the wall. Their cooperation was appreciated, and the wide bell bottom pants they wore make a nice finishing touch to life as it was then.
