This is Karl almost 20 years ago, he was (is) tough as nails. I learned a lot from him. Yep, that’s an Alaskan Salmon! |
“The captain was a younger guy, maybe late 30s. And on drugs”
The captain was a younger guy, maybe late 30s. And on drugs. This was his first year as a captain in Bristol Bay. He had taken a huge financial risk by purchasing a boat and buying into the fishery. What we deckhands didn’t know was that he was also in pain. A lot of pain. He had blown a blood vessel in his brain while lifting weights, and therefore had horrible headaches which he self-medicated with hardcore painkillers. (More about this later.)
“The year I went up to Bristol Bay, something terrible happened.”
Fishing Boats in Bristol Bay fighting for position. |
“I almost broke down right there in front of everyone.”
“Lots of things can get under my skin. However, no matter the scenario, it’s never as bad as ANY day on that boat.”
I think about that job often when I’m going through a tough situation. Whether I’m dealing with people who are being total jerks, or going through a difficult situation at work or while traveling. Lots of things can get under my skin. However, no matter the scenario, it’s never as bad as ANY day on that boat. That experience on that boat made me more resilient to pressure and difficult situations.I don’t know if I ever thanked Karl for having my back up there. I guess it was one of those unspoken acts of friendship. No matter how tough and resilient you are, having someone in your life who helps you stay sane, who makes you laugh during difficult situations is priceless.