I write this in retrospect, but there was still one trip remaining of the three trips of my contract on longliners. We fished in the Gulf, then went all the way back up to the frozen north Bering for a week and a half or so, then back to the Gulf again before heading home. Fishing wasn't spectacular, the days dragged. We spent a lot of time steaming around searching for fish. Crew morale was low. My morale was low. I was worn down thin and was more than ready to be finished with the trip and off of the boat. Out of almost a full 90 day contract, only a few days were spent on land. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally taxed to my limit. It was time to come home for a while.
In life, plans change, sometimes in directions that we hadn't initially expected. All we can do is smile and continue forward, and make something of it.
My plan has indeed changed, and my gaze shifted to another part of the horizon. I have worked hard aboard nearly every vessel type that the Alaska program has to offer and in all seasons and conditions, and been allowed to see things many have only dreamt of. But it is time to move on to something new and perspective changing.
There are many new possible work opportunities that I am pursuing, but most recently, with my current company, I have been asked to work in San Diego aboard Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) Swordfish vessels. EFP means that they are fishing for research purposes- that purpose being to try and reduce marine mammal and sea turtle take in the swordfish industry. I think I will have to change the description of my blog, as it will be taking a new direction and tone.
More to come.
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