Adventures on the Christie LEE

       Welcome to my three-week fishing and fixing a commerical trolling boat adventure on my boyfriend's (Luke) boat the Christie Lee. Heading into this adventure I really did not know what I was getting myself into. Frankly I had no expectations, and nothing to really compare what pretty much living, fixing and fishing on the Christie Lee would be like. While I would conisder myself a decently "rugged" gal who is not afraid to get a little dirty...I was blown away with being submerged into the fisherman lifestyle where instead of getting dirty in some dirt or mud, they get dirty in oil and grease. I have never been around so much oil and grease in my entire life.
     I didn't know excatly what I was getting myself into as I volunteered to come, fish and stay with Luke for a few weeks as we won't see each other too much after this for about 4 months. I did not know I was volunteering to  become proficient in drilling, or helping to replace old wires so we could wire new wires throughout the engine room. I also did not know I would learn most tool names through rote memorization through handing Luke different tools that he needed. Heck I did not even know that three types of screw drivers existed! I also did not know that I would learn how clean up oil spills safely and effectively either, but I learned that too.
      I thought I was coming to do mostly fishing. Well we have done a bit of fishing, but I have done quite a bit of work helping Luke get ready to still go fishing. What has struck me the most about this whole adventure is how we work, and work, and work some more to fix things on the boat, yet there is still so much more work to be done. As Luke would say "there is always more to do." Yes I learned this very quickly.
   While I still don't think I could live the life of a fisherman, it has been kind of fun to experience this type of lifestyle. It also has been kind of stressful too in some ways and definitely takes some getting used too. I really wear mostly the same outfit everyday and am used to just being dirty now, but it did take a bit to get used to. I also had to get used to having greasy hands and sleeping on the boat. While the lifestyle takes a bit to get used to, it's a lifestyle that I have a ton of respect for. Fishermen work so hard, and are " do it themselvers." I am so impressed with how well Luke can solve most of the problems on the boat. He truly can fix anything! I must say I find it sexy! While he can fix anything...I have surprised myself with helping him with some issues. I guess I could do okay in this lifestyle. I have even helped put a woman's touch to the boat by suggesting a few ideas for ways he can make the house of the boat a bit more cozy.
    To wrap up, this experience has been humbling, a confidence builder, good for our relationship and more fun than I would be....but also more stressful than I thought it would be too. I have seen how great, tight and helpful the Oregon fishing community are towards each other. I have met some wonderful fishermen who I'll always remember and hopefully see again!
     Next post can hopefully be about my actually experience and thoughts of a multi-day salmon fishing trip and include pictures too.

Much Love from Florence, Oregon!