Thematic Photographic 154 - Vacation

Someone found Nemo
Saint-Leonard d'Aston, QC, July 2011

I think this week will be an opportune time to swap vacation photos, so I've chosen vacation as our latest Thematic theme. We just got back from a lovely week-and-a-bit in Montreal and Quebec City, and as I begin the frightening process of sifting through the mountain of pictures we all took, I realize just how much ground we covered and how lucky we are to have a digital record of the experience.

And of Nemo, who we found in a tank in a memorable rest stop called Le Madrid halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. It's the kind of family-run place that seemingly no longer exists, with crumbling fiberglass dinosaurs at the edge of the parking lot, and a giant pink monster truck thrown in for good measure. Inside, the locked-in-the-1970s theme continues with formica-meets-vinyl decor lit by dim, mostly bare and yellowing incandescent bulbs. A Zoltar machine - think Tom Hanks in Big and you're not far off - completes the motif.

Despite the overt kitsch, everyone seems to know everyone else's name here, and it strangely feels like a slice of home in the middle of a long journey. For now, anyway, as the site's been sold and will be demolished in a couple of months. In its place, the developers promise a modern service facility. I'm not entirely convinced that's a good thing, and I'm glad we got to experience this place, crumbling fiberglass dinosaurs and all, before it slips into history.

Anyone want to adopt a clown fish?

Your turn: If you've recorded your own vacation travels, I hope you'll share some pics on your blog - or point to ones you've already shared - and then leave a comment here letting us know where to find it. Visit other participants to share the joy. No wagering. No competition. Just good summer - or winter - vacation fun with a camera. If you're new to Thematic, our weekly photo-sharing thing, just click here. Either way, have fun with it!