As one might imagine, we enjoy a great deal of privacy here on our “homestead.” We move about our property unseen most days, although we have learned to be a bit wary of passing ferries and cruise ships, after learning firsthand how much detail a powerful zoom lens can pick up even from that distance. Occasional kayaks, canoes, and other small boats pass unexpectedly, but often do so without knowing they’re being watched. Our days are largely silent except for the sounds of nature.
All of this changes once each year toward the end of July, when the gillnet fishing fleet moves up Lynn Canal, chasing the sockeye salmon run.
We see a parade of fishing boats heading out and back from the fishing grounds most of the summer. But, when the salmon runs pass a few steps off our front yard, that’s where the boats congregate, sometimes in large numbers.
The fishing grounds are right outside our window (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger).