Salmon, Broads & Beer

A Tuna Story

vwalke — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:48:42 +0000

Went out 30 NM offshore (just past where the Pacific merges with Monterey Bay) for albacore – commonly known to land-lubbers as “chicken of the sea.” Our crew included Nagel Sullivan – an aviator who has become 1st Mate for CONFIDENCE, and can be counted on for any fishing trip; Matt Erdner – a friend from my days on MITSCHER, a good boat handler in his own right, and we had fished salmon together a couple times last season; and Brian Hans – Air Force space acquisition guy and friend – a second time deck-hand who was still rather inexperienced at fishing, but who was learning quickly. Left right at about 6 AM, motoring into a 3 to 4 foot NW swell with short spacing. For two hours we pounded our way out there, and we did our best to throttle back or turn a side whenever an especially sharp wave appeared. Throughout the day, each one of us would battle varying degrees of nausea and abilities (or inabilities) to consume and digest beer. We figured we were paying our dues, but I couldn’t blame Nagel for asking a couple of times “Are we there yet?” (half imitating any one of our kids, but also probably half serious). I felt the same way.

Proud of Our Seahawks

vwalke — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 10:19:25 +0000

After attending the game, I was surprised to find myself optimistic about our team despite the depression that follows any loss. The thing that I was inspired by was inspiration itself – our Seahawks team found it for this game, on both sides of the ball, for the first time this season. We (I’m counting me, because “we” includes the 12th Man and we were yelling our arses off) played San Diego tough. Yes, there were issues in this game as with any other – dropped passes tops my list – but even the guys that muddled some plays seemed to make up for it with others. And despite all the junk people are saying about Boulware, our secondary (including Boulware) were the unsung heros of yesterday’s game – Rivers was having a lot of trouble finding open receivers all night, even when he had all the time in the world – our guys were on their receiving corps like a wet blanket, and still were able to do the job without having to sacrifice our run defense (which was also excellent versus LT). A couple big plays were given up, but that literally was it. Overall, our defense was solid, and our offense played with some heart. Bottom line, our team may have lost the game, but the 2006 Seahawks earned my respect yesterday, and the Seahawks will ALWAYS have my support.

We may not be a Super Bowl team this year, but it isn’t over yet. I think that if our team is able to hold their heads up high after yesterday’s loss and not quit, and if we are able to help them do it with our support (I.E. not throwing in the towel), the Seahawks just might create some post-season havoc.

Go SEAHAWKS, and Merry Christmas everyone!

Trying to Find Inspiration During Un-inspiring Times

vwalke — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:05:11 +0000

The loss against San Francisco was so depressing, it was hard to find answers that would make me or any other Seahawk fan feel better. “We’ll get ‘em next time!” type cheers just seem to fall lamely to the ground. However, I don’t consider myself a quitter – just as I would hope the players and coaches for my favorite football team wouldn’t be. That is why I am taking on a new Seahawk running challenge: each day until the game against the Chargers, I am going to run a building set of miles, and praying that God will reward my dedication with inspiration for our players. Follow with me day by day as my runs progress over the next ten days … Read More

Day 1: One mile. Not difficult at all, but I know that in coming days, my strength, health and dedication will be tested. I still can’t believe how our Seahawks offense just seemed to lay down. Where is the magic?

Day 2: “My Seahawks just seemed to give in, so why should I put out for them?” is my general feeling today. So I didn’t run. Still, completely depressed over the loss. You’d think that we were completely out. Part of me thinks we are. Sorry, fans.

Day 3: Praying that God will let me make yesterday up. And I’m feeling a little more inspired. Just running alone will do that to ya’. Ran 3.3 miles today (that’s .3 towards making up yesterday). Wasn’t easy: was cold in Monterey, plus I’ve got a sore throat and aching ears. Anyway, I’m ashamed of feeling sorry for myself and for being mad at our offense – but maybe it is a necessary process in order to recuperate from the last loss and get ready for the big game versus San Diego. With some help, I know that we can do this … just have to trust …

Day 4: Flew to Seattle today, and of course, left my running shoes in Monterey. Days 4 – 6 washes. Definitely demonstrates the fallibility of man. I was drunk when I came up with this latest idea, and now I have failed.

Day 7: Was out in town (Fairhaven in Bellingham), enjoying a brew, when I crossed paths with a man wearing a Seahawks hat. We commiserated a bit, and talked of the spark that we hoped would happen with our favorite team on Sunday. Turned out he was waiting for the brother of my old football coach, who passed a few years ago. Berger Solberg was not only an excellent football coach, but an inspiration to several teens trying to discover the best in themselves and out of life. He did this both as a coach and a history teacher. When I met his brother, who I had heard several fishing stories about, it was an honor.

My sister, who had Berger as a history teacher flew in later in the day, and I told her of my encounter with Coach Solberg’s brother. We decided to run 6 miles on Friday.

Day 8: Ran six miles with my sister. She kicked my ass the last mile, and we ended up walking up the hill with coffee in hand at the end, but it felt good to run again – finally. I did it thinking of the Hawks, but today, it was more about family, a good run, and memories of growing up in Bellingham – maybe even including some of a great coach and teacher who influenced the lives of my sister and me.

I am starting to feel much better about Sunday – mostly because I am just feeling better in general. Going home can be invigorating. Tomorrow: 6 more to make 12 in the name of the 12th Man and our Seahawks!

Day 9: Well, my sister and I finished 6 more miles today in the name of the 12th Man, including a run to the top of Bellingham’s Sehome Hill, and a run up “the stairs.” Great run, and though I didn’t do all the running I had originally planned in the first days, I believe we finished strong. We have FAITH. I will be yelling with my wife and the rest of the 12th Man at Qwest Field tomorrow for our Seahawks defense, and will be praying for our offense to BEAT THE CHARGERS. GO SEAHAWKS!!!

- SalmonBB (a.k.a. The Running Fisherman)

Troops Speak

vwalke — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:23:18 +0000

[link]http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f365.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=Inbox&MsgId=5813_1696844_71309_2028_14985_0_1504_34251_411836729&bodyPart=2&YY=43802&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=2[/link]

UPDATE: "4 Bars X 3 Miles = 12th man!!! A Beer Run in Support of Our Seahawks!!!"

vwalke — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:33:57 +0000

Here’s the FINALIZED INFO!

3 Miles X 4 bars = 12th Man!!!

Start: 11 AM, 23 SEP (Saturday) at Pyramid Brewery and Alehouse (1201 1st Ave S). Drink Brew and depart at 11:45

Stop 2: Run .66 miles to Swannie’s (222 S Main St). Drink Brew. Depart at 12:45.

Stop 3: Run 1.28 miles to the Frontier Room (2203 1st Ave in Belltown). Drink Brew. Depart at 1:45.

Stop 4 (Final Meeting Place): Run 1.22 miles to the Elysian Brewing Company (542 1st Ave S in downtown, NOT the one in Capitol Hill). Drink Brew.

Other Notes: We will have nametags (if you want to wear them) so that we can recognize each other by our forum names. Also, wear your Seahawks colors! I’m thinking about the face paint …

Those interested in the run or in just meeting us out at the Elysian can e-mail me at salmonbb@yahoo.com, or just show up!

4 Bars + 8 Miles = 12th Man Effort in Support of Our Seahawks!

vwalke — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 23:49:31 +0000

Last year during each playoff game I ran through the city of Norfolk, Va, like a crazed maniac, carrying my own home-made “12″ flag. The morning before the SB, I ran 12 miles carrying the flag, in honor of the 12th Man. Throughout, I was stared at, laughed at, heckled (there’s a bunch of Steeler fans in Virginia), and every once in a while cheered. I loved it!

This year, my wife and I are flying up for the game against the New York Giants. I plan on running again, with my flag, and I look forward to conducting my ritual in friendly territory. But instead of running on the Lord’s day (game day), I’ve elected to run on the Saturday prior to the game, so that I can stop at some bars along the way and drink some beer. Was wondering if anyone wanted to join me.

Here’s my rough draft (I am open to suggestions):

1. Meet at the Elliot Bay Brewing Company in West Seattle at 11 AM, 23 Sep, for the first beer.

2. Run 2.3 miles to the Alki Tavern for our second beer.

3. Run 4.7 miles (this is the long stretch) to the Pyramid Brewery (next to Safeco Field) for our third beer.

4. Run 1 mile, looping somewhere downtown, and ending up at the Pioneer Square Saloon for our fourth beer … and possibly many more after.

4 Bars + 8 miles = 12th Man Effort in support of our team.

If you’d like to participate, whether by running, or just meeting at some of the bars, let me know if you are interested. You can write me at salmonbbeer@yahoo.com. If we get enough people, we might even be able to get some kind of community or Seahawk interest. Of course, all signing on must understand the calculated risks: public intoxication, scraped knees, or getting run over by a car (this is a voluntary event for which the organizer is not responsible for other’s misfortune).

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

The Methow Valley is the place for good brew!

vwalke — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 22:29:27 +0000

Keira McDonald writes “Hey,if you really love beer and fishing and you are in the Methow Valley I have the place for you…I just got back from a trip to Twisp, Washington. I went to a place called the Twisp River Pub which is a brew pub which houses The Methow Valley Brewing Company and let me tell you they make a good brew! We tasted them all and let me just say that each and every one of the beers was better than the last…It was a great night in a great pub with great food and with a strong local following. The service was amazing. The bartender was very helpful, knowledgable and friendly. While we were enjoying our mouth-watering steak sandwich, and our perfect Reuben(we shared pub fare but they have some fancy food too…) We were chatting with the bartender. One of the brewers emerged from the back room and started filling up bottles directly from the tap. We started chatting to him about this and that and he revealed to us that his friend had caught a sizeable steelhead and he was headed to a BBQ, which impressed me as it was about 6 degrees outside. The Methow Valley is absolutely gorgeous and friendly and fun and they love beer and salmon as much as your readers from the west do…NOW, I have to say we were there on Valentine’s Day Night so most of the babes I saw were spoken for and deep into lovin’…But I bet on a regular night the broads would be plentiful and be extremely appreciative of a beer swilling-salmon lovin’ man… Check it out! You will not regret it!”

Faith in Despair: A Seahawk Fan's Spiritual Journey

vwalke — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 13:54:29 +0000

I stopped praying for football miracles just before my team, the Seahawks, entered the NFL post-season. During the regular season, I witnessed what I considered answers to my spiritual calls: cornerback Jordan Babineaux’s interception of the Cowboy’s Drew Bledsoe in the final 8 seconds of the game, setting up a winning field goal, and A. J. Feely’s three missed field goals as the Seahawks toppled the Giants at Qwest Field. Each of those times I prayed for a miracle, and via Seahawks success I began my spiritual journey.

Read More to view the rest of the story …

But as the Christian faith teaches, a believer may be tested.

The birth of my son, Grant, demanded that I focus my attention, my prayers, and miracle requests elsewhere. Born without a heart beat on December 30th, he entered Seattle’s post-season as the biggest under-dog. Kicking his mom’s stomach like Josh Brown through the regular season indicated a strong leg, but we didn’t expect Grant to boot his umbilical cord past the end-zone the moment my wife’s water broke. In medical terms, it’s known as a prolapsed cord.

The first two weeks of January became one-day-at-a-time blurs. Building a prayer network consisting of hundreds of friends, family, and a few churches, Grant’s mom and I did what we could to effect another miracle. Doctors and nurses in our local Children’s Hospital replaced “Big Play Babs” and Matt Hasselbeck in our spiritual transformation. Seattle lost to Green Bay in their regular-season closer as we substituted family members in at Grant’s crib-side.

Once again, a miracle occurred before us as Grant healed and was released from the hospital during Seattle’s post-season bye, with good MRI and EEG results.

Looking back, I don’t think I was tested as much as I was placed in a situation where my only course of action was to pray. What else could I have done? What else could anyone have done? I was a parent, not a doctor. But the foundation of faith had been laid with a Seahawks win over the Cowboys in the original miracle of John Montonye’s 2005 Almanac, and I am convinced it was God’s work to bring me and several family members to a closer relation with Him through our tribulation with Grant.

The real “test” didn’t arrive until weeks later, with Super Bowl Sunday.

By the time it had arrived, I had resumed following my Hawks. With a baby boy appareled in full Seahawks regalia made for an infant, I felt like I now had a formidable fan club under my own roof. John and Grant Montonye – the formidable duo fighting for all things in support of a nationally pronounced under-dog, the Seattle Seahawks. Grant had really “been there,” and as much as I know he has no clue what football is, I liked pretending (and almost brought myself to believe) that he “knew” something about the Seahawks’ destiny. He slept through the Skins’ and the Panther’s contentions as if there was nothing to worry about. Formidable indeed, this Seattle Super fan that I considered myself lucky to call my buddy.

Though I had pronounced to God upon my son’s birth that I would ask for no more “Seahawks miracles,” and that the only miracle I wished for was for my son’s health, I continued with “Seahawk prayers.” Instead of asking for the “miracles,” placing real faith in a being so great that He could effect anything – even the full recovery of a baby without a heart beat, or a Seahawk appearance in the Super Bowl – I prayed for individual Seahawk play, and always was prepared to accept a loss to end our season if that was God’s will. If that might be his test.

In short, though I expected that my team could beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl, I also vowed not to stray from God should we lose. If somewhere in my spiritual journey the miracles and the successes should end, I would stay strong. I was prepared to lose. A loss wouldn’t even be a “test” of my relation with God.

On Sunday morning, as I prepared my spirit in church, with the big game looming in the back of my head, our pastor addressed the congregation in a sermon that spoke directly to me. I guess you might say I was forewarned by her as she stated that Christians should revel in despair. Eloquently and with conviction, she described that despair serves as a playing field for God to work on us. As I remembered those days in the hospital, despairing over Grant and building my relation with God, I was brought to tears. But knowing that this sermon was not delivered as a reflection on the past, I was evermore prepared to accept defeat that evening as the team that started my spiritual journey faced the national favorites.

Praying faithfully through the third quarter of the game, I felt like Seattle was going to take the lead after a prayer answer in what appeared a scoring drive. Putting the prayers aside for a second, I dared a Red Hook IPA in one hand as I cradled Seattle’s #1 fan in the other. Long pass completion to Jeramy Stevens at the Pittsburgh 1 yard line – Yes! Then the “yellow flag” thrown like a penalty on me for mixing booze with religion.

Pittsburgh 21. Seattle 10. Final score.

Time to move on – be a strong Christian. I was prepared, right?

Not as much as I thought. Sure, I’d been willing to accept defeat. But were my Seahawks really beat? I mean were they BEAT?!?! Recalling the “yellow flags” – the botched “blocking” call against a tackling Hasselbeck, the holding call against Sean Locklear’s brushing right arm, Darryl Jackson’s touchdown-receiving brush on Steeler defender Chris Hope, the flags falling late after the completion of big Seattle plays. Was this really a loss in God’s eyes?

Eleven points lost, only to lose by the same amount. Along with the rest of the 12th Man, I was sick. Sure we could have done some things better. Only problem is that even then, we were better! Did we ever really have the opportunities to succeed in that game?

Pounding away on the Seahawk blogs, I found comfort in miserable company. I signed an electronic petition. I “sounded off” in the PI. I began planning a personal crusade in the name of changing the NFL and the national media – their concocted sob stories about opposing players setting the nation and the referees against us.

In the midst of this, regaining my composure as a proud Seahawk supporter and on a mission to screw Big Company NFL, Big Money Media, and Big Brother Paul Tagliabue.

And until now, forgetting one thing.

Yes, I sure was tested.

Dear Lord …

… Congratulations Pittsburgh. You earned it. I pray that we meet again next year.

GO SEAHAWKS!!!

vwalke — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 17:43:27 +0000

Listen, You can hate on the Northwest Coast
all you want.

But up here we “stiff-arm” linebackers
like cedar carved masks
of Thunderbirds
and salmon dancing through ocean space…

We pass pigskin in perfect spirals
like Skagit eagles twisting in circles over Mount Baker…

Our defense crunches
offenses
like a family pack of Sasquatch teenagers
wrestling baby bears
around
somewhere up there on Snoqualmie Pass.

- Unknown

GO SEAHAWKS!!! WE LOVE YOU!

- 12th Man

A Canadian Contribution

vwalke — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 07:45:12 +0000

Anonymous Fish writes “The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company. The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company is situated in the Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada. Recycling bottle caps from participating bars, restaurants, pubs, trade shows and so forth …”

A friendly Canuck offers a detailed relation between beer and fishing. If you can hang with it, and eventually gain some understanding from it, then we at SBB eagerly anticipate your feedback … or … we’ll just let it go.

“The help of individuals, college groups and those who have an awareness interest in the recycling aspect make the recycling effort possible. Although bottle carbonated beverages were already popular by the 1880′s, there was a constant problem in bottling: Most of them were unreliable, they did not seal the beverage sufficiently. There were always leaking problems with the drink. Many of the stoppers ruined the drink and with the carbonation gas (carbon monoxide) William Painter invented the crown cork in 1891. He had to convince the bottle manufacturers to accept the crown cork design because the bottle needed a specific neck tip with a gripping area for the crown. Nowadays our Crowns are usually made of tinplate, electrolytically lined with tin, or chromium plated metal sheet metal (according to DIN 6099). The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company became about in 2001. Entrepreneur Norm Price figured a way to recycle the bottle cap, creating employment, and bringing awareness on how many of these bottle caps are discarded in our landfills in North America. Billions each year alone. Statistics Canada “As of March 31,2003, imported beer has captured 12.2% per cent of Canada’s total beer market in terms of value, up from 9.6% the year before,” the agency said. Sales of imported brands increased at more than 10 times the pace of domestic brands. Overall, the country’s 3,225 beer and liquor stores sold nearly $7.9 billion worth of beer in the year, up 6.1 per cent from the previous year and 41.5 percent from a decade earlier. Canada alone neared $8-billion in beer sales in the year 2002-2003. This is only 32 million people. There are 300 million in the USA Norm Price, an experienced former outfitter and fishing educator for Alberta Fish & Wildlife, took his compassion for nature and decided to do the unthinkable, recycling bottle caps. The untouched recycling industry of metal bottle caps is huge. In the ever changing revolution of the times, it as been forgotten about the billions of metal bottle caps that has already entered in the landfills. Price is determined to make sure this awareness is applied worldwide. Norm Price turns 10% of recycled bottle caps received into functional fishing lures. The remaining bottle caps are sent to be melted down and re-used in the metal world. The fishing industry also being huge in the U.S and Canada. The bottle cap lures are currently being endorsed by 3-time Canadian Sport fishing Champion Andy Vander Ploeg. Vander Ploeg, resident of High River, AB, working on his way to 4th consecutive year. Distributors of the product are found in Canada: Ontario, British Columbia and soon in Nova Scotia. In the U.S: Texas and soon in Kansas. Sales outlets include: The Outdoor Stores, Home Hardware, The Fishing Hole, participating Canadian Tire and participating convenience stores. E-commerce is playing an important role not only in sales but making the awareness known. Recycling has become a way of giving back for Mr. Price. THE BATTLE OF THE BRANDS, a free fishing contest being put forward in January 2005 will consist of finding out which brand will catch the most fish. In the process, any fish caught with The Original Bottle Lure could face winnings from state and world records. To make this easier to enter, Norm Price also could print any company logo on blank caps, making it their own brand name. Qualifying for the contest. The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company opened its Recycling Division in September of 2004. Hooked on Recycling, its responsibility is to make the recycling efforts known. Through this Division individuals, companies and college students have come forward and have sent bottle caps. Recycling bottle from across Canada, U.S and soon the U.K. The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company also offers its outdoor expertise. Norm Price offers packages in the adventure department. Eastern Townships Adventures. This includes fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobile, skiing, and other adventurous outdoor sports. These are available with or without guides. Norm Price along with many hard working individuals, plan to put the recycling efforts forward worldwide along with creating employment, making it a cleaner environment and promoting education towards the affects of drinking. The product has been initiated from Canada. Norm Price is in the process of negotiating with Japan. The fishing industry is $ 19 billions in the U.S and $12 billions in Canada. The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company currently selling 80% to the U.S. Norm Price will be receiving sponsorship from Mustad Hooks for THE BATTLE OF THE BRANDS contest. Sleeman, a Canadian brewing company has been donating bottle caps towards this project. Home Hardware will have participating stores to collect the salvaged bottle caps. Pittsburgh Brewery, an American brewery has donated bottle caps. Cool to be Canadian and its divisions is in negotiations with The Original Bottle Cap lure Company. Future negotiations are also in the works. The Original Bottle Lure Company a unique concept, bringing people together, saving the environment soon nationwide The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company has made many headline news. Most of them available on the www.bottlecaplure.com website. Media support received from CTV News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Examiner, Fishing World News, Myrtle Beach Online, Chicago Morning News, PR Web, Montreal Gazette, CBC News Radio, Farm Show Journal, Le Reflet and Canadian Sport Fishing Magazine. Norm Price is encouraging media to contact him for further details. The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company has no outstanding issue with beverage companies. As mentioned Sleeman and Pittsburgh brewery have donated bottle caps to The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company. The Original Bottle Cap Lure is negotiating with other beverage companies in 2005. A monthly Newsletter is available through The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company’s official website. www.bottlecaplure.com. The web site includes photos, tips & techniques, Forums and much more. A letter from Dr.David Suzuki was faxed to Mr. Price, congratulating his originality. The Original Bottle Cap Lure is good for walleye, perch, trout, pike, bass, steelhead and much more. See site for details. CEO & Founder Norm Price (819-346-8135 The Original Bottle Cap Lure Company World Sales Office Official Website www.bottlecaplure.com http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/HTMLTemplate/!ctvVideo/C TVNews/fish_lure_041003/20041003/?video_link_high= mms://ctvbroadcast.ctv.ca/video/2004/10/03/ctvvide ologger1_143kbps_2004_10_03_1096856945.wmv&vid eo_link_low=mms://ctvbroadcast.ctv.ca/video/2004/1 0/03/ctvv”