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Wednesday 25 April 2018

The boat pond

North shore coastal communities on Prince Edward Island are a flurry of activity these days as fishers prepare for the lobster season. During our recent visit to Northport, we stopped at the wharf where fishers have been busy preparing their lobster traps.  





The wharf was lined with the traps and buoys; everything looks ready to go.





The traps sink in the water because of two concrete slabs held in place at the bottom of the cage.





A boat with its traps loaded aboard at the beginning of the season lies low in the water, as we saw last April on setting day, the first day of the season.





The ice is offshore but remnants linger in the boat pond inside the breakwater/wharf.





Here, the boats are slowly being returned after the winter ashore. Google maps shows the pond inside the unusual wharf, middle left. 





On an island off-shore, the former Cascumpec lighthouse still stands. It has been decommissioned and is privately owned today. 





On shore, near the wharf is the range light which still guides boaters home.



Next week it will be an important part of the life of the community.


41 comments:

ann @ studiohyde said...

Lovely to see what other communities do 🙂

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

There's something about harbours, boats and fishing that I find irresistible. But clearly no place to be a lobster!

DJan said...

Wow, Marie, it's a huge industry. I've learned so much from you about this particular kind of fishing (do you call it fishing when you use traps instead of lines?). Do you like lobster yourself?

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Gosh so many lobster pots Marie, must be a huge industry! I would love to privately own that lighthouse, it's gorgeous ☺

Anonymous said...

I find this so interesting and enjoy the photos so much. Enjoy your day.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Lobster lovers everywhere are salivating and getting the butter ready.

Joanne Noragon said...

If we had a boat pond here, it would still have ice, too. I wish all your fishermen a safe and plentiful season.

Mage said...

A delightful picture you paint today. Thank you. Here our traps are square. Yours are more picturesque.

William Kendall said...

The light house really draws my eye.

Debbie said...

these images are so awesome and as i often say, they remind me of my area. beautiful lighthouse, an odd shape for this area!!

Anvilcloud said...

They're geared up for sure.

Bill said...

I love that lighthouse, very nice indeed. Lobster season once again comes around. I assume they will get a big sendoff when they head out.

Rhodesia said...

Shame poor lobsters. I hope they breed more than they actuallly bring in. Great photos, Diane

Elephant's Child said...

This is fascinating. Thank you. And how I would love to own/live in a lighthouse.

Jenn said...

Great photos! The piles of lobster traps make for an interesting photo!

Cathy said...

Sounds like the year 'proper' is about to begin.

A decent sized industry indeed

Catarina said...

I remember those lobster traps. It was a new experience for me since I had never seen them before I visited P.E.I. so many years ago.

Great post, Marie.

Marie Smith said...

I love these scenes John. Lobsters beware however.

Marie Smith said...

We call it a fishery Jan.

We love lobsters. Our first meal for the year is on Mother’s Day, just a few weeks after the season opens. Our youngest grandchild will try lobster this year. The older two love them. We have lobster several times a year. This past year we had them on Christmas Eve. They are available year round here.

Marie Smith said...

That lighthouse is a beauty, PDP.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Mildred. I love these scenes of the preparation for the fishery.

Marie Smith said...

We are having lobster for Mother’s Day, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

The fishery is such a dangerous occupation, Joanne. Thank you for your comments.

Marie Smith said...

I have seen square traps but they are not as common, Mage.

Marie Smith said...

It is visible through the break, William.

Marie Smith said...

The lighthouses here are different shapes from those in Newfoundland too, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

They sure are AC and this is just one location.

Marie Smith said...

Family and friends will give them a good send-off, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

The stock is well regulated, Diane.

Marie Smith said...

There is a lighthouse here which is a hotel, EC. There is one is Newfoundland, only accessible by boat where I’d love to visit and stay for a few days. It would be my dream vacation.

Marie Smith said...

There are thousands on each wharf these days, Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

It is a huge industry for this island, Cathy.

Marie Smith said...

I love these scenes, Catarina. They are a huge part of island life.

Ginnie Hart said...

Did someone say L O B S T E R?! OMG. I would love this seasonal rite of passage, Marie. My big question: Can you buy lobster there for a decent price or...like most other places...is it pricey? It's almost too rich for me (which is why I prefer crab legs), but every once in awhile would be a delight!

Tabor said...

A tough job. I remember reading the Perfect Storm and then the book about the lobster fisher lady that was in the Perfect Storm.

Danielle L Zecher said...

Mmm, lobster! So yummy! The light range is so pretty. I enjoy all of your island pictures. I live in the mountains, but love the beach, so I always enjoy your pictures.

jenny_o said...

Marie, in all the years I've seen piles of lobster traps here, I never knew they were weighted down! I'm kind of flabbergasted at that :) I thought the traps would sink under their own weight. You learn something new every day, if you're paying attention :D

Marie Smith said...

We get six lobsters, one and a half pounds each for $70+. We think it is a fair price. That was last year. We don’t know the price for this year.

Marie Smith said...

It is a dangerous occupation for sure, Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Danielle. I love the mountains. You are lucky to live there.

Marie Smith said...

THere is always something new to learn. It keeps us young, Jenny.