Coastal Adventure Day 6: Quadra Island

Thursday, October 14th, 2023

Today is an easy day. It is a slow day. It is an uncomplicated day. The inhabitants of the cabin awake at various intervals, beholden to no schedule. Some will stay at home wandering the beaches and catching up with old friends, others will venture out to the sea in search of a catch and to check the nets. I fall into the latter category.

The morning brings the full force of the late summer sun and we begin to prepare for our journey out to the ocean in the heat. I learn that a great deal needs to be considered when organizing for a day of fishing and try to make myself as helpful as possible getting the truck, trailer and boat ready.

By mid-day we are out on the open ocean and the first order of business to check the prawn traps. Nets set the previous day retrieve forty prawns and an opportunistic octopus who has enjoyed quite a feast from one of the traps. None of us have the stomach to take the octopus’ life and so the thief is set free, slinking back into the depths to find her next successful catch. We too continue our hunt and as such reset the traps and deploy them once again to the depths.

The next order of business is to set the fishing rods and outriggers. I have now heard from many an islander over the last few days that the season has been good to the fishermen; perhaps our luck will be better with the salmon. We troll back and forth along the coast waiting for a bite for hours but despite the rumours, none is to be had. The sun, the sea and the scenery will have to suffice in the face of defeat. In spite of our poor luck we bask in the glow of the day as our boat gently rocks in the wake of passing craft.

Eventually the falling sun is hidden from view and the warmth of its presence is replaced with the cool reminder of pending fall. We pack up and head into shore as dusk settles; it’s time to enjoy the fruit of our labours.

Those who have remained at the cabin have not been idle. The cabin smells of fresh focaccia and pulled pork and soon the prawns, bathing in butter and garlic join the chorus of scents. The meal is enjoyed by all and one by one, as we emerged for the morning so we retreat for the night. Tomorrow we fish again. Perhaps we will see our octopus friend.

Until tomorrow,