The Deadliest Conference: Celebrity Fisherman

Captain Johnathon Hillstrand and the Garff's
Photo Deborah Bach, Three Sheets Northwest

Yesterday Ginger and I were one of 500 people to get on the list and get a most coveted spot at the CatchCon 2009, the Deadliest Catch conference at Pier 66. We've been watching this TV show for years, getting to know the Captains and crew, seeing them work themselves to death in the icy waters of the Bering Sea, fishing for crab. It's impossible work, in ridiculous weather. Maybe that's the appeal: I'll never captain a 120' crab boat or work 30 hours on an icy deck hauling 800 lb pots in 40' seas. It's something I'll never experience!

So we shook hands and took pictures with our "heros" from the show, and got an autograph from each of the 5 captains the show currently follows. Wait, what am I talking about? The Deadliest Catch. Tuesdays, 9:00, Discovery Channel.

Mark and Captain Phil, he's doing just fine. I was really excited to meet big Phil, he almost died last season!

Ginger and Captain Sig. As Norwegian as Norwegian gets!

Captains Monte and Keith of the Wizard

Captain Andy of the Time Bandit.

Got to tour two of the boats! Now that was way cool.

The Garffs and the crew of the Northwestern. Next time you're in a bar fight, you want Matt (right) on your side.

Great signature from Captain Johnathon, of the Time Bandit

800 lb crab pot. Tried to lift it. Couldn't.

more photos on Flickr here!
Three Sheets Northwest article, Mark and Ginger quoted!

Happy Earth Day!

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Embothrium coccineum, originally uploaded by gingershana.

This is one of our Chilean Fire Trees (Embothrium coccineum) happily putting out new leaves. We repotted a couple of them this year, and they are growing like crazy.

For Earth Day this year, we are having a seed/seedling exchange at work. Yesterday evening I potted up (in yogurt cups) seven divisions of chives and six batches of daisy seedlings. I'm sure the people on the bus next to me were wondering why I smelled like onions at 6:15 in the morning!

Take a little time today to thank Mother Earth for all she gives you, and if you are so inclined, maybe do a little something to help her out.

Today in Seattle

Today we played with the new camera - Enjoy!

Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant) in one of our salvage pots.

New leaves on the Fern Leaved Buckthorn.

The Olympics from Carkeek Park this morning.

Girl butts.

Vine Maple leaves beginning to unfold

Trillium, happy under our deck.

Lola, with the stick she carried for a mile down the beach.  At that point, Mark had to let her take it home.....

The red flowering currant in our parking strip - total volunteer, and the hummingbirds love it!

Frittilaria - Checkered Lily

Salmonberry flower.

The Gingko, thinking about leafing out.

Umbrella Pine buds.

Acer Henryi, new leaves.