Fishing and crabbing and some really good eatin'

Well, it's summer and that means lots of activity. Lauri and Greg have been out on their boat, sometimes just the two of them, and occasionally they have a bit of help.

Lauri writes:
"Enjoyed a great week with friends, and a successful fishing day. Greg caught a large cod, which was delicious in a Veracruz sauce. I got the biggest of lots of little halibut. Greg wanted me to send the photo right after I hauled it, and I was exhausted and my face all puckery. Fortunately for all of you, he doesn't do the editing."


And a couple weeks later:
"Tanner crab fishing has opened! We are thrilled to be working with Zach and his years of expertise. Yummmo. He also had us try a cedar planked salmon which turned out so delicious. Enjoy!"


I love that Lauri also sends along pictures of what she sees as she goes about her life.

Set net fishing

Lauri writes:
"Doing our annual set net fishing on the beach has been slow, but good company.

First you get together and PULL the net in, then untangle the fish from the net!

Greg got the big one yesterday-- we do get a few kings each year.

The gulls get to do the cleaning up.

This morning at 6am we were the only families with nets out! Mt Redoubt is peeking in the background."

I'm pretty sure that at 6am I'm not going to be on the beach tugging on a net and untangling fish. I'm just saying. But count on me to show up if the grill gets lit. Heh heh.

Spring Tidepooling on the Island

Lauri writes on June 10th:
"Greg and I just spent a peaceful 12 days on the island, and every day was a low tide for tidepooling and seeing wonderous sea stars. Our neighbor, Nancy, was with us this day and loved all the colors and the fun brittle stars that are only seen at very low tides. And then, the weird and unusual " helmet' crab."

I find these sights amazing. I cannot imagine strolling along the beach and coming across something so beautiful AND so alien. (If you want to get a good look at any of these seastars, click on the image -- it'll get bigger.)

Kayaking

The island

In Hunting trip Part 3, Lauri mentioned needing to go close up the island. This is the most amazing thing to me -- she and Greg bought a parcel in 2002 on Hesketh Island. It's the little box on the map (the map gets bigger if you click on it).


Hesketh, in the local language, means island with the driftwood on it. I see what you mean. Set right on the beach is their cabin and the sauna (the little one) is next to it.

Their slice of this island faces Tutka Bay.

In the fall, the early morning is misty and cloudy, getting ready for the cold to come. They are situated between Seldovia Point and Tutka Bay, so the views are spectacular.


I'll be bringing you more stories and photos and letters from Lauri. There's lots to tell about Hesketh Island. 'Til next time.