Creative non-fiction – Behind the Scenery

Island Life

We are fortunate to live on beautiful Vancouver Island. We have access to all types of fresh seafood.

Last month we took our 16 foot boat out on the water for the first time in two years.

Our Goal

Test out the boat and motor.

Fish for Red Rock Crab and Dungeness Crab.

Break up the routine around here in a safe way.

10 Things I Learned On Our First Fishing Trip For 2021

1. Warn my husband when he is standing in the boat and a large wave is coming up behind him.

2. Boats can easily get lost in the fog.

3. Size does matter. One millimetre can make all the difference as to whether the crab will be tossed back in the water or whether it will become someone’s dinner.

4. Bring durable, waterproof bandaids for when a crab takes a big chomp on my husband’s finger.

**Crab chomping on my husband’s thumb & sizing crab**

5. Learn early on how to turn the boat motor off or at least place it in neutral.

6. Taking photos is extra challenging in choppy water.

7. Picnic sandwiches always taste great outside in the fresh air.

8. Nothing compares to the brisk, salty breeze to clear away the cobwebs in my mind and soul.

9. The stunning, tranquil scenery never grows old.

10. Fresh crabs taste excellent with or without clarified butter.

My Husband Is Kind And Patient With Me

I have won the second runner-up prize to go on this fishing trip.

Our present circumstances restrict us from seeing other people.

I know my husband would prefer to go fishing with his “intuitive” friend who apparently knows what to do without any instructions.

His friend knows how to:

attach the trailer, boat and lights to the truck
put the boat in the water
not get seasick
add bait to the traps
lower the traps into the water and attach the floats
remember where he placed the traps at the end of the day
pull up the traps in choppy water
handle the crabs and check for sizing and sex of the crabs

I know how to:

place bandaids
take photos
keep extra gravol handy for when I get seasick
Make great picnic sandwiches
help eat yummy, freshly caught crabs

Mission Accomplished

We were able to keep three decent sized Red Rock Crabs. We had to throw back three Dungeness Crabs slightly small for Canadian waters.

The boat motor did have an issue although we arrived home safely.

It felt wonderful to get out in the fresh air, take in the scenery, break up our routine.

I hope I have the opportunity to win second runner-up prize again and join my husband on his next fishing trip.

This time I will make sure to yell out

“watch out for the wave behind you!”

What’s On My Plate

I am linking this post to a fun, monthly series where you can share recipes and meals. #whatsonyourplateblogchallenge is hosted by Donna (Retirement Reflections) and by Deb (Widow Badass) You can click on their blogs to learn more and join us.

The sort of/approximate recipes are found at the end of my post.

Plenty of Fish – A Few Of Our Dinners This Past Month

**Confession: I forgot about taking photos of the cooked crab until we had finished eating**

Behind The Scenery

My “sort of/approximate” recipes for the above seafood meals:

Salt Spring Island Mussels

Saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Stir in mussels. Stir in approx 1/3c. – 1/2c white wine. Cover for approx 1 to 2 minutes. Uncover, stir and cover for approx 1 minute. Shells will open up. Discard ones that do not open. Sprinkle with fresh dill (or whatever you want).

Drink the rest of the bottle of wine.

Steelhead Salmon

Place salmon on parchment paper. Add favourite seafood spices sparingly. Spread a layer of quality mayonnaise on top. Layer thinly sliced lemons on top of the mayonnaise. Add capers and fresh dill. Place in 375 degree oven approx 30 minutes uncovered. Excellent every time! (recipe courtesy of my brother who always makes awesome meals.)

Drink bottle of wine – Rose, White – whatever you like.