Читать книгу Stalking Salmon & Wrestling Drunks - Peter L. Gordon - Страница 8

For a twelve-year period from 1978 to 1990, I ran a charter fishing boat on the West Coast of Canada, off the shores of Vancouver Island. It is a time in my life that instills delight whenever I flick through the ship’s log and photo album. The stories and anecdotes in this book are all taken from that log and from my personal memories and those of my children, who have vivid recollections of their time aboard my charter boat, a fifty-foot Monk cruiser named MV Kalua. Revisiting these experiences has been incredibly gratifying and entertaining as we laughed together at the memories.

This is not a manual on how to fish, although fishing is the thread that binds the stories together. This book is not so much about fishing as it is about human nature and people’s quirks and eccentricities and, in some cases, their enormous generosity of spirit. Some of my charters were marvellous, almost magical. Mixed in with those joyful charters were some that still move me to great sadness, while others were peopled with arrogant fools who could spoil a quiet sunrise with their presence. The biggest pleasures of my charter fishing business happened when my trinity came together—great weather, great people and great fishing.

I formed Magna Charters Ltd. in Victoria, BC, Canada, both to give me a means of financial support during the summer months and to allow me the freedom to teach drama for the Bastion Theatre during the off-season. In Victoria the charter boat season runs from late May to a few weeks after Labour Day. There is some trickle business beyond that date, but it is referred to as “shoulder” business and consists of only enough activity to cover a little more than operating expenses.

I chose salmon fishing as a means of financial support over numerous other possibilities because the sea, rivers and lakes have always been my safe place. It is difficult to explain the peace in my heart as I drifted slowly past Race Rocks with a crew of like-minded people, observing the plunging birds and the wondrous orcas and the majestic Olympic Mountains and . . . smelling the sea lions. The scent of the sea lions is a bonus and not appreciated by all comers. More observations on this unique smell can be found in the second chapter of this book.

When I folded Magna Charters in 1990, I felt it had run its course and served its purpose. The decline in the salmon stock in my areas was one of the reasons. It was still possible to go out and catch some salmon but it was more difficult. It was time for a change, so I purchased a fifty-acre equestrian centre near Duncan on Vancouver Island and used it to raise ostriches . . . but that is another story.

For privacy, I have taken the precaution of changing the names of everyone mentioned in this book except those of my family.