March

I think we had more snowy days than not this month! Of course, the climate here being what it is, the snow doesn’t always stick. As a matter of fact, we had 3 days of snow and not an inch of accumulation! We passed the time with lots of crafts, a “chipmunk house” fort, and many trips to the pool. Nate was gone for a week to Mobile, AL for training (got to enjoy some nice weather!) and the boys and I have been awestruck at the herring fishing here in Sitka. A little background – probably 100 boats come into Sitka for 3-4 days of fishing over a week. They come to catch herring and harvest their roe. It’s an intensely competitive fishery because it is so lucrative. The fish come in tightly packed schools and the boats only work in very specific tight areas. We monitored the marine radio to hear the “go” and listened as they fought for space for their nets, ran into each other, and made their catches. It was quite exciting! Adding to the enjoyment was watching the wildlife come after these schools. We’ve seen 15 or more humpbacks and minkes, sea lions, otters and what I can only describe as flocks of bald eagles – from our living room windows!