Playing 'Catch Up'...or I've been busy!

​So, Yes, I have been quite busy since my last posting. Besides the long hours at work in the shipyard that is. Had a few days off last weekend to tour around Montreal and Quebec with my gal. We had a great time, 2 days in Montreal checking out the downtown then 2 days in and around Quebec City. The weather was good…and cold. We did do a fair amount of walking while in Montreal but once in QC it was not pleasant…the Polar Vortex had come to stay. Not to worry though, the car has heat! We took a drive up the north shore of the river to St. Anne de Beaupre to have a look at the church. Very impressive architecture! Legend has it that ‘true believers’ are healed by prayer there. There may be truth to that as the walls are adorned with cast away crutches and the like. Truth or not, the building alone is worth the drive up there.
Following that we braved the elements and wandered along the ‘shopping street’ in St. Anne. Not much open but one shopkeeper chatted with us for a few minutes. When she found out we like to see Artwork, etc. she suggested coming back in the summer and visiting Baie St. Paul, a 45 minute drive further east.
The word of the day was ‘explore’ so we went east anyways, along a highway that took us up over the hills and down the other side into the little town of Baie St. Paul. It was lunchtime so we scoped out a restaurant/microbrewery and had the special beer soaked smoked meat on rye. Delicious, as were the pints as well. Following that we wandered along the strip and dropped into a few galleries that were open. Only a small fraction of what’s there though! This community is full of artists & sculptors! A definite second trip (in summer) is warranted for sure!
On the way back to Levis we took the side trip to circumnavigate the Isle d’Orleans which is another summer ‘artsy’ destination.
 
But, reality bites…summer seems a long ways off, even from an April point of view! It’s been snowing, freezing, raining and then all that over again for weeks now. They tell me the region has lovely weather in summer…based on what I’ve seen since February I’m not convinced, but I’ll take them at their word and wait and see.

A shot on the inside...the ceilings are all a mosaic of ceramics about 1" blocks, all biblical looking scenes...incredible details to the adornment,

Outside also impressive with stonework sharp and carved. Gothic cathedral style look with the side wings and all.