Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Flat-Bottom

If you're thinking that this is one of those glass-bottom boats that you might find near a southern resort hotel, well you might want to look closer. The aqua color is about as close to the Caribbean as you will get. In reality, it's skiff tied up along Fish Beach on Monhegan. If you're looking to join the island working community, one of the most challenging jobs is making your living directly from the sea. Heck, when that wet, fog breeze blew across the island Saturday, it was cold enough for me. If you are lining up to put your lobster traps in on Trap Day (January 1), you wouldn't find me in the next boat. Look for me in the wimp line, probably sampling a lobster roll with a cup of clam chowder at the Barnacle. Later, if I had a TV on the island (water and electricity are precious items), I'd just kick back and watch the latest installment of "The Deadliest Catch". That's as close as I'd venture most cold days out here.
The beauty seen covering this island, often disguises the hardships and danger of making a living on the water out here.
Maybe the newly opened brewery needs a hand or two sampling their pale ales. 
I could do that!

10 comments:

  1. Interesting, what you say.
    So does a flat bottom make a skiff seems less tippy than a regular rowboat?

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  2. Yes, lots of fun and beauty for the tourists but reality for the natives. It's a hard life, but one that many of them are unable to leave. These communities are filled with hardy and hard-working individuals. I would join you in the wimp line while admiring those on the Island who do the grunt work.

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  3. you are so right, working on the sea is very hard and dangerous work. I thank these guys (and gals) every time I dip some lobster in the melted butter.

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  4. You've shown that beauty can be found even in hardship.

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  5. Trap Day is January 1? There are lots of good football games to waste my time in comfort.

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  6. Little flat-bottomed boat---I hear a song in that. Working from the sea is certainly a hardship anywhere. Fishing country out this way as we are along the coast too. I'd be snuggled by the fireplace drinking something too. MB

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  7. But there are lobster fishermen who say that no matter how rough the work & the weather, the freedom they have & the beauty of the sea & islands & even weather are some things that keep them fishing...I'm sure you would also appreciate the conditions, working for that brewery... :o)

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  8. Very nice! Love how you composed this shot.

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