Author: Stanley

Operation Reassurance: Canada in Estonia.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 11 October 2025

A F-18 in flight over the Musée de la défense aérienne in Bagotville

In September 2025, Canadian military personnel flew to Estonia to participate in Operation Reassurance. Canada wants to offer support to NATO in this region of the world. The first exercise, Cobra Warrior 25-2, is scheduled to take place in Great Britain for six weeks, followed by Tarrasis 25 in Estonia.

Eighteen months of preparation were required to develop this operation. Some landings will take place on a highway to increase the level of realism and difficulty for the pilots.

As luck would have it, we happened to be passing through Bagotville on the day everything was getting underway. Positioned at the end of the runway, we were able to watch numerous aircraft take off, including an Eastern Airlines Boeing 777-200 chartered to carry approximately 160 Canadian military personnel. A Boeing C-17 and eight F-18s will also cross the Atlantic to take part in the mission. Aircraft from Trenton and Winnipeg will also participate in the maneuvers, including a CC-150 Polaris, a CC-130H Hercules, and a CC-130J Hercules.

Canadian Boeing C-17 departing Bagotville for Estonia.

Eastern B777-200 on the departure at Bagotville, Canada, heading to Estonia.

At the same time as these departures were taking place, F-18s and Top Aces A-4 Skyhawks were coming in for landing after combat exercises in the Saguenay region.

Top Aces A-4 Skyhawk in Bagotville, Québec.

Some of the photos were taken using a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM fixed telephoto lens.

Click on the link for more aviation-related photos on my blog.

Tags aviation, Bagotville, C-17, Canada, Cobra Warrior, Estonia, F-18, military jet, NATO, Opération Réassurance, Tarrasis, Top Aces

Aviation photography

Aviation Photography: Air Transat A321neo in Quebec City

Post author By Stanley
Post date 3 October 2025

Air Transat Airbus A321neo in Québec City

Today, rain and fog disrupt operations at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport. The conditions are at their minimum for take off and landing. But the captain of this Air Transat’s flight decides to proceed as the weather improves momentarily.

The passenger jet will take off from runway 06. But the airstrip is soaked. When the pilot applies power, we will only see water spray across the entire picture. A better choice is to focus on the A321neo as it taxis slowly.

Photography Tips

Since the sky isn’t particularly captivating due to its uniform gray colour, it becomes imperative to find something else to increase interest to the scene. The runway lights will do the trick. By including them in the foreground of the photo, they add life and frame the aircraft as it joins the runway.

I avoid photographing the plane directly from the side or from behind, as the effect is a bit static. Entering the runway at an angle offers a better alternative. Furthermore, it is not necessary to show the entire fuselage of the Airbus for a good shot.

With just a uniform gray sky, part of the aircraft, and a few runway lights, it becomes possible to produce a shot with more dynamism.

Click on the link for more aviation-related photos on my blog. There are also photo galleries for enthusiasts in the menu.

Tags A321neo, Air transat, Airbus, aircraft, aviation photography, CYQB, fuselage, Jean Lesage International Airport, photography tips, photos, Quebec City, runway, takeoff, weather

Photos of Canada Photos of Quebec

Old Cars and Vintage Weekend 2025 in Québec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 27 September 2025

In September 2025, another edition of Vintage Weekend took place in Quebec City. This year, more than 200 vintage cars were on display on Saint-Paul Street and on the grounds adjacent to Espace Quatre Cent in Quebec City’s Old Port.

Stéphane Lavallée's 1959 Corvette at Quebec City's Vintage Weekend — Stéphane Lavallée’s 1959 Corvette at Quebec City’s Vintage Weekend

As usual, restaurant owners had their hands full serving the many curious visitors who came to admire the cars. In addition, they had to contend with the presence of travelers who had recently disembarked from the three cruise ships moored in the harbor. The next photo shows the energetic team at Bistro St-Malo hard at work feeding passersby.

The restaurateur of Bistro St-Malo at work on St-Paul Street at Weekend Vintage 2025

This year, musicians from Calgary entertained the crowd with songs from the 1950s. The audience was delighted by the excellent quality of the performance, both in terms of singing and music. The same can be said of the dancers, who took us back in time with a few hits from that era.

Retro dancing on St. Paul Street at the Quebec Vintage Weekend in 2025

Below, cars occupy the space surrounding La Vivrière, a fountain sculpture commemorating the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Gary Lynch's Hudson Hornet Hollywood 7x at Quebec City's Vintage Weekend — Gary Lynch’s Hudson Hornet Hollywood 7x at Quebec City’s Vintage Weekend

Burger Heaven Lights on for Service at the Weekend Vintage in Quebec City

Paul Forest's 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air with modified color — Paul Forest’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air with modified color

1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday and Michel Savard at Quebec City's Vintage Weekend — 1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday and Michel Savard at Quebec City’s Vintage Weekend

Above, Michel Savard poses proudly next to his 1952 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday. As for André Guillemette, he had original parts shipped from Great Britain to do justice to his 1962 Jaguar Mark II, which can be seen below.

André Guillemette's 1962 Jaguar Mark II at Quebec City's 2025 Vintage Weekend — André Guillemette’s 1962 Jaguar Mark II at Quebec City’s 2025 Vintage Weekend

Reflections in Michel Métivier's 1967 Pontiac GTO at Quebec City's Vintage Weekend — Reflections in Michel Métivier’s 1967 Pontiac GTO at Quebec City’s Vintage Weekend

A final photo shows St. Paul Street with Charles Boisseau’s 1965 Corvette Stingray.

Charles Boisseau's 1965 Corvette Stingray at Quebec City's Vintage Weekend — Charles Boisseau’s 1965 Corvette Stingray at Quebec City’s Vintage Weekend

Click on the link for more tourist attractions and photos of the province of Quebec on my blog.

Tags Calgary, FAO, Jaguar Mark II, old cars, Old Port of Quebec, Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday, photos, Pontiac GTO, Québec, Saint-Paul Street, tourist attraction, United Nations, vintage cars, Vintage Weekend

Photos of Quebec

Tudor, Alaphilippe and the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec 2025.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 20 September 2025
1 Comment on Tudor, Alaphilippe and the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec 2025.

Cyclists on côte de la Montagne at the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec 2025

Julian Alaphilippe of the Swiss cycling team Tudor is the winner of the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec 2025

Now that we know the winner, here are seven photos of Julian Alaphilippe, the Tudor team, Marion Rousse (the winner’s partner), Tadej Pogacar and Pavel Sivakov.

The Tudor team and Alaphilippe on côte de la Montagne at the GPC Québec 2025

The 216-kilometer race took place between https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/old-quebec-city Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, the Montcalm neighborhood, and Champlain Boulevard. Above, cyclists climb Côte de la Montagne, which has an average gradient of 9% over 600 meters, but with a steep section reaching 13%.

Below, a photo of the main peloton with the Château Frontenac in the background.

View of the Château Frontenac during the GPC Québec 2025

Near the Château Frontenac, I take the opportunity to snap a photo of Tadej Pogacar and Julian Alaphilippe, two of the most famous names in the race.

Pogacar and Alaphilippe the winner of the GPC Québec race 2025

The Tudor cyclist team opens the way for Alaphilippe at the GPC Québec 2025

On Rue Saint-Louis, the young Swiss Tudor team worked to save Julian Alaphilippe’s efforts. Below, Julian Alaphilippe after his victory. In the background are Tadej Pogacar and Pavel Sivakov of the UAE team. The latter finished two seconds behind Alaphilippe, while Alberto Bettiol of the XDS Astana Team took third place, four seconds behind.

Pogacar was well positioned, but at the end of the race, the group he was riding with refused to take turns at the front. So, he decided to slow down and watch someone else win.

Alaphilippe, Pogacar and Sivakov after the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec 2025

Marion Rousse, former French champion and actual director of the Women’s Tour de France, was working as an analyst at the GPC in Quebec City. She left her post for a few minutes to congratulate her partner, Julian Alaphilippe. She can be seen in the photo below walking towards the Tudor team.

Marion Rousse arrives to congratulate Julian Alaphilippe at the GP cycliste de Québec 2025

It was once again an exciting race, held for the fourteenth consecutive year under sunny skies and ideal temperatures. Every year, more and more cycling enthusiasts come to watch this UCI World Tour race. The same is true for the race in Montreal.

Here is the link for all the results of the Quebec City race.

Click on the link for more photos of the province of Québec on my blog.

Photos of Canada Photos of Quebec

Paddleboarding in Jacques-Cartier National Park

Post author By Stanley
Post date 13 September 2025

A paddleboard enthusiast on the Jacques-Cartier River in Quebec 2025

An excellent spot for paddleboarding (SUP) in the Quebec City area is located at kilometer 25 (EKWATEK) of Jacques-Cartier National Park. There are no services as such at this location, but a large free parking lot provides easy access to the riverbank, which is only a few meters away.

The natural surroundings are breathtaking. Bring a good camera (or at least a cell phone) in a waterproof bag. There are several splendid spots for landscape photography.

As summer progresses, the water level drops. However, even in fall, the river remains deep enough to enjoy your sport in complete peace of mind. At first, paddleboarders follow the gentle current of the Jacques-Cartier River southward. So there’s no need to paddle vigorously! You can just let yourself go. You’ll know when it’s time to turn back when you see small waterfalls in the distance. To avoid damaging the board, you turn around.

On the return trip, the effort required is greater, but not excessive. In strong north winds, bring a paddle to which you can attach an oar in place of the handle, giving you the feeling of paddling like a kayaker. Sitting or kneeling on the board, you will return to your starting point more quickly.

In the event of a southerly wind, the energy required to return is minimal. This allows you to make several round trips and spend a few hours on the river without getting exhausted!

A beautiful summer day in Jacques-Cartier National Park

On your way to kilometer 25, you can admire several scenes like this. The surroundings are magnificent! Green, yellow, and orange are the colors of autumn. There is very little red in the area. The orange color is concentrated mainly at the beginning of autumn, while the yellow persists much longer. The photo above was taken at the beginning of August.

Click on the link for more photos of the province of Québec on my blog.

Tags Ekwatek, environment, fall, fall colors, free parking, Jacques-Cartier National Park, Jacques-Cartier River, kayaker, landscape photography, nature., paddleboard, paddleboarder, photo, photography, Province of Quebec photos, Québec, summer, SUP

Aviation photography

Aviation photography and extreme weather conditions in Quebec.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 5 September 2025

Air Canada 777-300ER airborne from Québec airport

During summer 2025, several large aircraft scheduled to land at Montreal Airport had to divert to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (CYQB). Numerous thunderstorms disrupted arrivals and departures at the main airports in the province of Quebec.

The extreme weather in the west gradually moved eastward. This delayed and even cancelled the departure of many planes in Quebec City.

When most of the storms finally passed over Quebec City airport in the evening, an Air Canada Boeing 777-300 ER took off from runway 24 to fly its passengers back to Montréal.

In the background, Air Transat aircraft can be observed. The Swiss Air logo can also be noticed on an Airbus A330-343. It had come from Zurich and was further diverted to Quebec City, along with an Air France Boeing 777-228 LR and a few others.

Below, we see the Boeing 777-300 ER refuelling at a time when extreme weather conditions have not yet reached the airport. Two Avjet tanker trucks are standing near the aircraft. The height of each truck is less than the internal diameter of the Boeing’s engines. For several years, this aircraft held the record for the largest engines on a civil aircraft. Now, the Boeing 777X has taken the crown.

Air Canada B777-300ER refueling at the Quebec Jean-Lesage international airport.

Photography Technique

Both photos required some compromises. Everything works if you accept being completely soaked and working with both feet in the water along a metal barrier with lightning flashing here and there. For some photos, the session lasted two hours.

I took the shots from a hole in the airport fence. My Canon EF 300 mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens was protected by a plastic bag tightly wrapped around the lens hood.

A frequency scanner provided data about air traffic. A controller informed an Air France pilot that such a situation of aircraft diversions during extreme weather had not been seen in several years.

I set my full-frame camera to produce only RAW images. Focusing was done in SERVO mode. I reduced the depth of field to optimize speed and limit the size of the photographic grain (ISO).

When selecting photos, I preferred the one showing the Boeing taking off, but where the Swiss airline’s logo is still visible. It was important to highlight the aircraft’s presence in Quebec City.

Click on the link for more aviation-related photos on my blog. There is also a drop-down menu with several photo galleries dedicated to aircraft.

Aviation photography

The first visit of the Canadian CC-295 Kingfisher to Quebec City.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 29 August 2025

First visit of the Canadian search and rescue Kingfisher aircraft at Quebec Jean-Lesage intl airport

In July 2025, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (CYQB) welcomed its first visit from the Canadian CC-295 Kingfisher. This is the Canadian Forces’ new search and rescue aircraft. Sixteen units of the aircraft have been ordered.

The Kingfisher is equipped with sensors that can locate objects or people up to a distance of 40 kilometers, even in low light conditions. Its range allows it to remain in flight for over 4,500 kilometers.

Photography tips

I arrive too late at Quebec City airport: the plane is already parked. However, information obtained from the pilots indicates that takeoff is scheduled within the next hour on runway 06.

Ground traffic provides excellent opportunities to photograph an aircraft while benefiting from an interesting background. The photography technique required for this first visit by the Kingfisher is really basic.

Communications with the control tower indicate when the CC-295 is starting up. It will stop just before entering runway 06. A 200mm telephoto lens would normally do the trick, provided the ISO is not too high. But today, I am trying out a recent acquisition: a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM fixed telephoto lens.

In the middle of the day, a photographer deals more with the quantity of light than its quality. However, the goal here is not to capture a bouquet of flowers or a wedding, so the harsh light should be fine. The flamboyant color of the aircraft will distract attention from the lack of interest in the ambient light.

With the shutter speed reduced to 1/125 and the ISO set to 200, I wait for the moment when the Kingfisher is opposite the control tower. This will provide a high-quality background. Twenty photos later, the plane is nothing more than a memory.

Click on the link for more aviation-related photos on my blog.

Tags aviation, aviation photography, Canada, Canadian Forces, CC-295, CYQB, ISO, Kingfisher, photography technique, photography tips, photos, Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport, search and rescue, shutter speed

Photos of Canada Photos of Quebec

Photography in Jacques-Cartier National Park

Post author By Stanley
Post date 22 August 2025

Reflections in Jacques-Cartier National Park in summer.

Photography technique

Even if the initial goal is to go paddleboarding on the Jacques-Cartier River, you can bring a camera, just in case a special scene merits a photo. It is best to shoot in RAW mode to make it easier to correct imperfections later.

Today, the complete absence of wind allows for exceptional reflections for landscape photography. But you have to choose your environment carefully: no distractions should break the effect. The goal is to create momentary confusion through a mirrored scenery.

A tight frame keeps the panorama identical in both parts of the photo. You must then ensure that the horizon is as straight as possible. Finally, you can improve the initial image by reducing the smoke haze. Indeed, the summer of 2025 in Quebec will have been the one where forest fires in Western Canada considerably impacted on visibility in Quebec.

The sun slowly sets over Jacques-Cartier National Park.

I took this photo of the Jacques-Cartier National Park Valley in the late afternoon to profit from the soft lighting. Also, in August at this time, the sun in the southwest hits the eastern slope. The light is then reflected in the middle of the valley and diffused through the smoke. Some of the haze can be removed, but it is important to keep enough of it to preserve the majestic effect of the landscape.

In the foreground, paddleboarders, barely visible, enjoy the exceptional light of the late afternoon.

Click on the link for more photos of the province of Quebec on my blog.

Tags environment, forest fires, Jacques-Cartier National Park, Jacques-Cartier National Park Valley, landscape photography, paddleboard, paddleboarders, photo, photos of Quebec Province, Québec, reflections, smoke, Western Canada

Graphic novels and comics

Salvator Mundi, a questionable painting sold for $450 million.

Post author By Stanley
Post date 15 August 2025

The comic book “Salvator Mundi: la folle histoire du tableau le plus cher du monde” tells how a painting originally purchased for $1,500 was retouched and resold for $450 million.

We know that renowned paintings attract a wealthy and discreet clientele. What is less well known, however, is how interest in a work is generated.

An art lover discovers a painting that seems promising. He has it retouched by a professional art restorer. He does not want any photos of the work in progress. People must quickly be convinced that it is a work by the famous Italian master Leonardo da Vinci.

The desire of the wealthiest people to obtain a rare painting by Leonardo da Vinci outweighs critical reasoning. Haste is a poor advisor, especially in the murky world of art. Every dealer has an interest in not revealing details that could jeopardize an interesting transaction.

The work, purchased for $1,500 a few years ago, is resold to the Russian oligarch Dmitri Rybolovlev for tens of millions of dollars. The painting becomes the playground of experts with diverging interests. The new owner disposes of his recent acquisition when he realizes that doubts persist about the authenticity of the artist.

Christie’s wins the contract to auction the painting. The famous auction house exhibits the painting in a category that surprises art professionals, alienates connoisseurs, and encourages emotional buying.

Prices skyrocket thanks to a battle between two stubborn buyers. MBS (Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia) wins the bid for $400 million plus fees. A great deal, but one in which the owner realizes a little too late that he has very possibly purchased a painting by one of Da Vinci’s students.

This purchase urgently needs to be “cleansed.” What follows are shady dealings, political pressure on President Macron, the threat of cancellation of arms contracts from France, and an attempt to use the Louvre’s reputation to “certify” a painting that is increasingly doubted to be by Leonardo.

I won’t tell you how the story ends. I’ll just add that the graphic presentation and storyline keep the reader’s attention throughout. This true story is a lesson for all art lovers, wealthy or not.

Click on the link for more comics and graphic novels on my blog.

Title : Salvator Mundi : la folle histoire du tableau le plus cher du monde.

Authors : Éric Laberge, Antoine Vitkine, Sébastien Borgeaud

Edition : Futuropolis

ISBN : 978-2-7548-3405-6

Tags art, auction, Christie’s, comic book, critical thinking, fortune, France, Italian, Leonardo da Vinci, Louvre, MBS, Mohammed bin Salman, painting, président Macron, real life stories, Russian oligarch, Salvator Mundi, Saudi Arabia, transaction

Flight Simulation

Explore the world in flight simulation (21)

Post author By Stanley
Post date 9 August 2025

Today’s flight around the planet takes place between the virtual airports of London City (EGLC) in England and Rotterdam-The Hague (EHDR) in the Netherlands. The weather looks good, apart from a few large TCUs here and there along the route. The crew imports the Simbrief flight plan into Navigraph to facilitate navigation between the two countries.

Daher TBM930 airborne from the London City virtual airport (EGLC) in United Kingdom

For a fast and comfortable journey, we choose the high-performance Daher TBM930 in Canadian colors. Microsoft has truly designed a marvel of a virtual aircraft.

Virtual TBM930 over United Kingdom heading to the Rotterdam airport (EHDR), Netherlands

The operating ceiling is 31,000 feet and the maximum range of the TBM930 is around 1,730 nm. With a cruising speed of 330 knots, we cross the English Channel in no time. As you would expect, there is a lot of shipping traffic between the North Sea and the English Channel.

TBM930 turboprop aircraft over water and approaching Netherlands

We are now above the Netherlands. The programmed route reads as follows: EGLC runway 09 DEP ODUK1H ODUKU M84 TOVGU M84 CLN P44 RATLO M197 REDFA MASOS. We have selected the REDF3R arrival and the RNAV runway 24 approach.

Working Title Simulations Daher TBM930 over Netherlands approaching the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Below, the cockpit photo shows the interior of the TBM930 and the route followed for the approach. We are descending rapidly to reach the recommended altitude of 2,000 feet a little further on for arrival.

Cockpit of the Daher TBM930 as it approaches runway 24 for the Rotterdam (EHDR) in flight simulation MSFS

There are strong winds today and mechanical turbulence throughout the journey to Rotterdam.

TBM930 approaching rwy 24 for the Rotterdam virtual airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS

The autopilot keeps the single-engine turboprop slightly to the right of the centerline of runway 24 during the long final approach to counter strong crosswinds. The VNAV function does a very good job of maintaining the correct altitude during descent.

MSFS Daher TBM930 on final for rwy 24 Rotterdam airport in flight simulation

During the short final approach, we disconnect the autopilot. Surface winds are blowing at 320/14 knots. Moments later, we land the virtual aircraft without breaking anything. A short taxi brings us to a parking spot where staff are waiting for us.

Canadian Daher TBM930 arriving at the virtual Rotterdam The Hague airport (EHDR) with Microsoft Flight Simulator

Flying virtually with the TBM930 is a treat. It is one of the best virtual aircraft currently available on the market for use with the Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) flight simulator. What’s more, virtual pilots don’t have to pay extra for this aircraft, as it comes with the MSFS software.

The next leg of this simulated flight around the world takes place between Rotterdam and Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LFPB) in France. Customers have chartered an old MD-11 in KLM colors for a historic flight to the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget.

Click on the link for the previous stages of this flight simulation tour of the planet in my blog.