Lane's Ramblings

I killed a duck in Quebec when she flew in front of my car. In New Hampshire a chipmunk darted in front of my car and stopped but there was a car coming in the other direction so his best hope was for me to put him in between my tires... Kelly: "Do you think he made it?" Me: "No, he didn't." Kelly: "How do you know?" Me: "I heard him hit the bottom of my car."

But in 5 years I have never killed anything intentionally, which is why it was a surprise to everyone that when I was invited to go deep sea fishing I said, "yes". It was supposed to be a nice day, it would be a good time out on the boat, and deviating from my beliefs for one morning wouldn't hurt anyone - well, except for the fish.

We were heading down to the Mornington Peninsula about an hour south of Melbourne but it took quite a bit longer to get there because of rush hour traffic. But eventually we got down to Rye where our hotel was, which was more than big enough for three people staying for less than 12 hours since our boat left at 6 the next morning.

The plan was to head up the road a bit to get some dinner and maybe a few drinks in Sorrento but a quick walk through that town showed that there's nothing there. Our next option was Blairgowerie, which had already driven through and we saw a bar that had a deck and seemed to be rather full. But this place was filled with people older than my parents.. not that my parents are very old but these people were. So back to Rye and the hotel for one and on to the closest bar. We had a few in this place that was mainly there for betting on horses and had one of the foulest smelling bathroooms that I've ever been in and then we moved next door where we just made it in time for dinner. Dinner was quick and not too bad so now it's time to move back to the bar.. oops, they close at 10. What? Are you kidding me?

The pier

The alarm goes off at 5am - whose idea was this? - jumped on the boat that held 14 and we were off to the ocean to find some snapper. The swells were big; 13-15 meters and all of a sudden I wasn't feeling very well. But I didn't know if it was from the ocean or the drinking the night before or the fact that I didn't have any breakfast. After trying a few spots we went to the deep part where we saw quite a few sea birds and two of the biggest gulls I have ever seen - they looked like flying dogs. Then someone else said that they weren't feeling well - I wasn't alone! Then another.. and another. And then people started letting loose over the side. Well, I might as well get in on this and here I go...

The rods

Most of my morning was spent sitting on the bench trying not to lose what little was left in my stomach and I gave little attention to my rod and it seemed that the fish were ignoring it as well. That was fine with me. But I did get one tug and when I reeled it up I met Franky.

Franky the Fish




The Portsea Hotel

So how was my day of death and destruction? It wasn't bad. Sure I was sick most of the time but it was nice to get out on the ocean on a nice day and see some seals and dolphins. Was the enjoyment of the day worth Franky's life? No.. I don't think so, it was very sad. Next time I'll do without the hook and rod and just enjoy the trip (hopefully without losing my breakfast).

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