Boats, Fish and Repeat

It's already been a month since the mind-blowing Sitka sac roe herring fish ripped through our waters and impressed us with the magnitude of this business, and the money & excitement it generates.

Let's start with this video. At the time I said 28 boats on the bay....yeah, that increased to over 80 boats by "go" time with at least 9 planes overhead. Things just multiplied every couple of minutes it seemed!

I also learned more along the way of how this opener actually goes....so, these vessels show up or get into gear locally to scoop up little herring fishies. The fishies are only used for the roe (eggs). The roe is typically sold as a delicacy to Japanese consumers. This year, Japan's fishing industry was decimated of course, tragically. Still, over 19,000 tons of herring were netted by these boats and given to processors for prep. and freezing. There's still no buyer! No price I've heard yet per ton this year. That's kind of unheard of. Some people think we should have skipped the fishery this year to save stock and let the fish spawn out in these waters, because the market is not there without Japan. This is probably still a deal in progress.

So AK Dept. of Fish and Game monitors the fish as they begin to arrive late March. An opener is not declared until the roe is mature enough, over 10% and the size of the fish is satisfactory. This year, we waited awhile for an opener because they waited on the fishies and wanted it operated in an orderly manner. Elders round here say the fishery doesn't happen until we get some late spring snow. Sure enough, we had a snowy day and the fishery was declared open. Interesting.

Now, the openers can happen in our waters anywhere near the Island.....close to the road for watching, far off without a prayer of spectating...or this year, right in front of our frickin' house. Couldn't have asked for better viewing placement! There were about 4 or 5 openers total to reach the quota; I can't remember already. Those 80-some boats I saw were not all fishing either. Some are Protectors to help muscle the main vessel's territory for schools of fish. Some are backup boats in case something malfunctions or worse with the main boat. You kind of want insurance to fish if your annual livelihood depends on these hour by hour openers! Big money made in a relatively short amount of time. Small boats following or attached may help "cork" and work on the set nets.

We watched the set-up and presence increase during an afternoon. Then, at Go Time we fled down to the beach, with many other Sitkans, to watch the fishery take off. The town stops and gawks. Andy came down from work. When you see the diesel plumes hit the air, those boats are on the MOVE to get their spot for a set net--as seen in this video...

What I liked and noticed about the frenzy of Sitka's herring craze:

1) When will it open? is like When will the winner arrive for Iditarod?

2) No matter how long you've lived here, it's cool and exciting

3) Birds love fish....lots of fish = flurries of birds trying to get fish

4) Diesel is omitted the moment the fishery opens

5) Excitement builds as the hum of overhead planes intensifies

6) Town is jumpin'

Now for boat pictures and one more video....

Loaded and ready

So close!

Powering On

First-Timer

Set that net!

Birds want a piece!

Aerial view from the Gorn Home

And observations from G3....

Announcing Our New Arrival

She arrived to us on Easter Sunday, measuring 22 feet long, and weighing about 4500 lbs. Her name is the "Cajun Queen" and we think she's adjusting just fine to her first day of life in Sitka.

We are proud to introduce our Sea Sport boat! She came on a journey from Wasilla and has been meticulously maintained by the previous owner. "Mom and Dad" are figuring out how to care for her, including a very soon oil pump and new GPS installation. We feel the responsibility of boat owners, but also anticipate the bliss of ocean-going adventures, plenty of camping in the cuddy, and the take of many fish.

Ahoy!

Dem Birds

Morning perch, seen through bathroom window

Spring awakenings and life has us swept us into a state of renewal, as hosted by Southeast AK. One area of life, or wildlife, to showcase is the abundant activity of our winged friends overhead, playing in the sky and feeding on fishies returning to these waters. Eagles, ravens and seagulls choke the trees, beaches, roofs or play in the breeze taunting us with their liberation.

It seems most Southeasterners eyeball or even document by photo an image of 30 eagles holding court, their heads like suspended golf balls among branches. I was awfully excited to spot a single bald eagle through the bathroom window one morning, or the one we happened upon while walking about. What simple amateurs we were, until we too came to expect them flying around our house with regularity and in high number.

The seagulls are great in volume and bulk as they swirl over water and coastline. I thought I was quite original one day to declare Sitka should have a Bird Poop threat level, but then I heard the common joke that it's the time of year to wear a hat for insurance!

So in honor of God's creatures who share our town and threaten us with their over head droppings this time of year, here are some pictures in the spirit of "Finding Nemo" and "mine! mine! mine!"

What has Amy spotted??

That's right, another eagle!

This video, taken a couple of weeks ago down by the harbor, clearly shows who's in control of this territory:

Like I said, watch your head!

*Amy

"What's the Rumor?"

Not much blogging activity which does not reflect a lack of activity in our lives! Quite the contrary. The biggest piece for me, as mentioned here before, is "Rumors" by Neil Simon! The play, a farce, is this weekend: Friday night, Saturday night and a Sunday matinee. I'm so excited and we're working hard every night.

I play Chris Gorman, a well-to-do half of a power couple (lawyers) who take the brunt of some major unknowns and mis-haps with their friend, the Deputy Mayor of New York. I swear, smoke a fake cigarette and drink fake adult beverages (along with everyone else). It's quite the production in the revivial of Community Theatre in Sitka. The Performing Arts Center we are staging the production in is GLORIOUS. I feel like a sham professional in a space worthy of a big city (we have flat screen monitors backstage and in all the dressing rooms to see what's happening onstage!). Obviously a follow-up post with photos is in order.

Did I mention it's set in 1988 and I have shoulder pads in a pantsuit worthy of a football player? I'm experimenting with my hairstyle today. Been channeling inspiration from "Dynasty," "Designing Women," and especially Judith Light in "Who's the Boss?"

"Slower, go slower, talk like we're children." (Chris)

Let the show go on!

Much Needed Relaxin

The Cable House, downtown, is a historical building hosting

KCAW Public Radio upstairs and the yummy Larkspur Cafe downstairs.

I picked up a part-time job that I trained for and have done 4 days a week for these past 4 weeks. Who could imagine enjoying a 5:30-9am shift so much? Well, I totally did as the time was spent in the local radio station anchoring and hosting the Morning Edition news shift. It's on a substitute only basis for when one of the two Newsies is out. It was an exciting time to join the Raven News team as one morning we were on tsunami alert (that qualifies as a big radio event!), completely switched on-air studios once a complete renovation finished (what a privilege to be one of the first people to ever work a new board!), conducted live interviews with Alaska's Writer Laureate, talked about the State of Sitka's Economy, questioned high school students, and more. Technology failed and technology worked. I had a fairly comprehensive training under many different scenarios. That's radio--never a dull moment. Once I forgot to read the sunrise/sunset schedule even though I had it written down right in front me. The phone then rang and a "hit-n-run" call mentioned the slip. I was asked by callers to pronounce Sitka as Sit-kuh, not Sicka (as many Midwesterners do, I'm told). I also felt pretty good that I picked up training rather quickly in general. I was given much support. Radio: always fresh and changing, and part our daily life. I felt like I began chipping away at 2.5 years of radio/interview rust build up. Loved it--even the early hours.

It helped that Andy and I had to wake at 4:30am together! Yes, he'd get ready for Physical Training with the Academy recruits and I'd drive downtown to KCAW. While driving past the Academy I sometimes caught him and the guys running in the dark. Or, the whole crew would be indistinguishable standing in the front parking lot warming up. Again, this is at 5:20am! I never saw this part of his work day before, naturally because I'd be in bed.

And then I continued the rest of the day giving 8.5 hours to my regular job, and then 2 or 2+ hours in play rehearsal at night. Andy and I saw each other for lunch, dinner, and....well, that's it. But what fulfilling days!!

So these last 4 weeks pumped up our schedule load. It reminds me of a packed Costco cart. Pushed to the limit for loading bulk items, straining against the metal wires. It's full of groceries that will be needed or enjoyed for a long time to come. It takes some gas out of your checking account as you front load paying for all the goodness, but the pay out will continue beyond the shopping trip. Well, we've jam-packed our days with really positive stuffs, and it takes some gas out of our energy, but the involvement, good times and memories certainly pays out after that.

I think I'm going to give myself a pedicure tonight as a reward!
*Amy

Who the Wind Blows In

During a bit of a windy spell, Alaska Airlines carried in our first two visitors, Judy & Tom. On their way from a few weeks in Nome back to Wisconsin, we hosted Andy's family for a couple of days earlier this month. Of course it was a nice, nice time showing our new digs and island life.

On the agenda was a tour of the the Public Safety Academy, concluding in Trooper Gorn's office.We spent time outside exploring, but also checked email and such at the dining room table. Oddly enough, it became a spontaneous Apple ad for the alum. Macbook. That's a lot of computer super power.It's always nice to be among family, and this time around they really helped us out by testing and giving positive reviews for the spare shower (which I think was only used once before as a trial run by Andy)!

*Amy

Beating Cabin Fever?

Spring has sprung it seems in Sitka, the "Jewel of the Pacific." Herring season is upon us with wonderful weather to boot. I don't know what to expect during this fish run, but large boats are appearing, workers are landing in town, the birds are descending upon us like crazy with sea lions and humpbacks beginning to play and feed. Why? For a $12 million herring fish run. A projected 19,400 tons of fish will make people good money. It becomes a spectator event when you can pull off the road and watch the boats work close to the island and the wildlife feast on the bounty too. A lot of this has been told to us in preparation, as we're not in full swing yet. The weather and start of activity did get us out'n about, exploring and acting borderline "tourist."We first got out last Saturday when we stayed overnight at our friends' family's cabin. What a getaway and great time with them--complete with a hot sauna! Their boat was the only means of getting to the cabin.This Saturday we enjoyed relatively calm winds and mid-40 temps. Sitka Channel was filled with boats and herring test sets, the harbors were busy thoroughfares...or a like a ghost town at some skiff slips. Clearly a day to get out and enjoy your thing.Big nets for big fish loads for big pay-outs on the Jamboree, from Kodiak.

Looking forward to living up our first herring season, with a buzz I can sorta liken to the anticipation of Nome's Iditarod and winter racing month. The prelude so far is promising--and the perfect weather doesn't hurt!

*Amy