Alan Skeoch

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  • EPISODE 574 WHALE WATCHING IN STRAIT OF BELLE ISLE….FRIGHTENING


    EPISODE 574    WHALE WATCHING IN STRAIT OF BELLE ISLE….FRIGHTENING

    alan skeoch
    april 2022


    The rocky eastern shore of Newfoundland was strewn with lobster traps…some bashed up but most could
    be easily repaired.   Seemed a loss that we could help relieve.  So began our Lobster Trap Rescue


    Our fishing had not been too successful using fishing rods.  Great schools of capelin rolled onto
    the eastern beaches of Newfoundland not  far from, St. John’s. 

      Then we cut straight across the
    island to the western beaches along the Strait of Belle Isle where a big surprise awaited us.
    Really big.  Terrifyingly big

    “Would your boys like to go whale watching here?”
    said the first person we met on the banks of the Strait of Belle Isle.



    We were on the long road to L’Anse aux Meadows.  Just taking our time as the road was delightfully
    wild and the Strait of Belle Isle was easy to access as we coddled along.  Two adults, two kids, two dogs,
    three bicycles, two lobster traps, one pop up camper, one well used Ford van…and all the other stuff
    needed for a cross Canada summer trip living as close to the land as possible.

    In earlier episodes I described the capelin roll and also our rescue of some lost lobster traps that we decided to
    return to the owners…see picture above.   Note Marjorie is still wearing her bikini.  The year was circa 1980 (mistake
    in episode 573 where I said 1970)




    From our campsite we could see a small Newfoundland village  of less than a dozen buildings  with open rowboats
    bobbing in a rock enclosed harbour.  An easy walk carrying a perfect hand made lobster trap.  

     “Brought back
    this trap that you must have lost.”  Expected thanks but just to an indifferent shrug.   “Government pays for the
    losses…nn need to rescue them.”  

    I know that sounded hostile but it was not.  Just a statement of the facts by a young fisherman
    who was really quite friendly.  

    “Would your boys like to go whale watching?”

    “We would love to do that, dad…Can we?”
    “Suppose so…”


    “I will get the motor gassed up…you can wade through the water
    to the boat…only waste deep.”, he said while i was trying to translate
    the message on his T shirt which seemed to say “Hard work can’t
     hurt Yah BUT I’m not taking any chances.”  This was a young man
    with a sense of humour.  Too bad I have forgotten his name…and the
    name of the village.  Maybe I could find the place from the satellite but
    no time.    






    THEN THE REAL ADVENTURE BEGAN

    We were not too far offshore when the first whale appeared…maybe two whales or more. 
    Could have been a Minki whale or perhaps a pod of dolphins.

    One thing for sure.  As we proceeded the whales ran under our boat…just barely.

    “Do the whales know we are here?”
    “Sure…they have eyes and ears…better than ours.”

    Up to this point Andrew and Kevin were leaning over the rim of
    the boat.  Once a whale slipped by about 10 feet from us…and parallel 
    to us.  Andrew hit the bottom of our boat .  Full body slam.



    Those dark blurs are part of whatever pod of whales or dolphins were playing with us.

    “This is their playground…not ours.”
    “Is there a chance they will lift our boat ?”
    “Not likely.”
    (which meant it was possible)
    “These creatures are longer than our boat.”
    “Whales.  What would you expect.”


    Then something really big surfaced.  Too close for comfort.   Looked like a Humpback whale fin splashing.
    Really big whatever it was.   We began to see whales where no whales existed.  The dark blue patches
    of the Strait of Belle Isle water looked like whales.  

    Andrew did not see them because he stayed on the boat below eye level.  Unusual for him.




    This whale … only got part of him …slipped by so close that it seemed touchable
    All of us were worried.

    “What happens if a whale lifts our boat…dumps us.  We have no life jackets.”
    “Life jackets are no use here.”
    “You must be kidding.”
    “Water is so cold we could never reach shore…Hypothermia would get us.”
    “Bloody dangerous.”
    “Not really.  The whales are just curious.   No evil intent.  Sometimes I think
    they even know who I am.”
    Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Humpbacks... All at Once! - Baleines en direct

    I did not take these last two whale  pictures.  A pair of humpback whales.  Get the size of them…more than twice the size of our boat;


    Whales underway again-but don't get too close | NSW Environment and Heritage

    Just imagine if these two humpbacks decided to show off beside our boat.
    If they did we would all join Andrew flat out on the bottom of the boat.  Or, worse,
    at the bottom of the Strait of Belle Isle.

    Why did I not take more pictures?  I needed to grip the gunwales of the boat  with both hands.
    why are the sides called gunwales anyway.  I hope the whales do not hear that word. 
    They might get angry.  Why?  The word ‘gun’ spliced onto the word ‘wales’ 
    sounds bloody unfriendly.  I read Moby Dick long ago.  Scared me back then.

    Close up whale watching in an overgrown rowboat is not advisable.

    But the young fisherman was a great example of Newfoundland friendliness.

    alan skeoch
    april 2022

    post script:   The Strait of Belle Isle is a perfect whale watching site as it forms a
    natural pathway from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the cool Arctic waters.
    Why would whales want to use this chute?  Lots of capelin…thousands and thousands of
    those little sardine sized fish
    are needed to fill a whale’s tummy.





  • EPISODE 572 “HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A ‘CAPELIN ROLL?’…a fish story from Newfoundland

    EPISODE 573    HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A CAPELIN ROLL? (EDIBLE APPARENTLY…NEED CLOTHESPEGS THOUGH)…a newfoundlandf ish story


    alan skeoch
    april 2022

    “When can we go fishing…tired of sitting in the truck mile after mile.”
    “Soon.”
    “How about right now, Dad?”
    “Probably not catch much but let’s pull into this ocean cove….scenic if nothing else.”
    “Great…getting out the fish rods.”

    We were camping in Newfoundland when, by pure chance, we came upon a 
    ‘capelin roll’.  These tiny sardine sized Atlantic Ocean fish play a deadly mating game
    each where thousands and thousands “roll” onto Newfoundland beaches… a small
    percentage are gathered up and hung to dry with clothespins by local people and
    even some tourists like us.  

    Humans are not the only predators feasting on capelin.  “It’s the humpback whales that drive the
    capelin on to our beaches.  They are  out there beyond the breakers feeding on the
    little fish.”   




    Newfoundland beach, north of St. John’s, where Andrew and Kevin Skeoch were determined to go fishing.  If you look
    closely you can see the boys.   Most have ben about 1970 wen we took the boys to experience life in eastern Canada.


    This is Daisy with a capelin in her mouth. A little fish considered a delicacy When they rush ashore in hundreds of thousands
    after mating.   
    Newfoundland is a great place to go camping.  Often we were find empty camping spots right on the ocean…at least that was so in 1970.

    Those wonderful Tourism Advertisement on television are not exaggerated.  Newfoundland is unique.




    People gather to watch our dogs, Daisy and Sonny, investigate a capelin roll…the shiny bits are live capelin.

    Once the capelin begin the trip to shore, people line the beaches to watch, catch, and scoop up these silver fish. You’ll see all manner of nets, including a cast net or dip net, as well as buckets. Many people come to simply enjoy the sight, watching kids, and adults alike shriek as they capture the wriggling creatures in their hands. The more adventurous will don their rubber boots, and wade into the shallow ocean waters to use their nets (some more successfully than others!). The more patient cast their fishing lines out to the capelin retreating from the shoreline. The festival atmosphere at these local beaches is akin to a pop-up, as family and friends gather with plenty of campfires, beach blankets, and picnic coolers. Who knows, you may even see whales lunge feeding on these delicious capelin just offshore. 

    And this small, slender fish is actually much healthier and tastier than you may think, although it may never become one of your favorite foods. The locals each have their own way to prepare them, from frying, to roasting over an open campfire, to pickling, along with the traditional method of salting and drying the fish. Regardless of how much you love the taste, catching them is a local food experience you’ll certainly never forget. If you ever get to see the capelin roll, it really is one of nature’s wonders.



    Marjorie figured if the capelin were good enough for Daisy and Sonny to eat, then she may as well try one as well.   Note Marjorie’s version of a bikini.

    Capelin are delicious treats for humpbacks 

    Many people visit capelin hotspots like Middle Cove beach, just outside St. John’s, to see if the capelin roll has begun. The fact that there are 30 different coves across the province named for capelin indicates the widespread fascination with the annual tradition. To stay up to date on capelin locations, visit www.ecapelin.ca. People who spot capelin can also let others know on Twitter by using the hashtag #CapelinRoll20XX and insert the current year, which is updated annually. 

  • EPIODE 572 HOW TO MAKE A MOCIE SET LOOM RAMSHACKLE….I..E. A NEGLECTED MESS WHERE BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN

    EPISODE 572


    alan skeoch
    april 2022

    SOMW time ago two things happened that came together perfectly.

    “Alan, I have an old truck you might find interesting.”
    (he meant wrecked )

    and then

    “Alan, we need to make a movie site look horrific…neglected house and farm.”
    (he meant a pile of junk

    Well both comments came together and we offered something like
    the picture below only farr worse…windows smashed, headlights hanging, tires rotten,
    body bashed…etc.

    THE ANSWER?


    NOW IMAGINE THIS PLOPPED ON THE FORNT LAWN OF THE NICEST HOME ON YOUR STREET…AND THEN TRY TO 
    IMAGINE A BIT OF THE SCRIPT.

    Movie featured Sharon Stone and Dennis Quaid…..scary movie COLD CREEK MANOR (2003)



  • EPISODE 571 MYSTERIOUS GRAPHICS ON MASSEY HARRUS FACTORY WALLS AS DMEOLISHED

    EPISODE 571      MYSTERIOUS GRAPHICS ON MASSEY HARRIS FACTORY WALLS AS FACTORY BEING DEMOLISHED


    alan skeoch
    april 2022

    I suppose this is such a small mystery that many readers will cast it aside.
    When the Massey Harris factories were being demolished in west Toronto, Bill
    Parson and I spent a lot of time sleuthing through the ruins.  
    We were there so often that it was assumed we were part of the demolition
    crew…hards hats and heavy boots.   My trucks was just battered enough
    to fit  on the site.

    The factory buildings were ghostly…largely empty.  These markings were on
    the wall of one building.  Some words …Russian? Polish? And two odd
    symbols…a black cross which may have Nazi connections but what is it doing
    on a Canadian factory wall.

    And a very bold rising sun symbol which could be a Japanese flag symbol.
    Very strange indeed.    Old.

    Recent graffiti covered the wall of one building.  Professional graffiti done
    by a movie company.  Meaning unknown.  Perhaps no meaning at all.
    But the black cross and rising sun had a meaning I feel….perhaps tied
    to the words which were also on the wall.

    Feel there may be a connection to World War Two military production at the factories.
    But still very strange.  Why would managers allow such painting?

  • EPISODE 570 B -SEQUEL TO BLUEJAY STORY…PICTURE FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED…”SIT DOWN…SIT DOWN”


    EPISOE 570 B — SEQUEL TO THE BLUEJAY STORY…PICTURE FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED “SIT DOWN…SIT DOWN”

    alan skeoch
    april 22 , 2022

    SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, P.57, FALL ISSUE 1993

    I know the Blue J story sounds a little hard to believe…especially the
    post script where I mention my trials with the crowd who called me rather
    unflattering terms because I blocked their view of home plate.  Some
    four letter words spilled from the mouths of fans.  Directed at me.

    Well, Scott Bartle found the picture in Sports Illustrated 1993 and even
    got some of the scowls.   Indeed I did take up a lot of space with my arms full
    of Scott (and friends) Blue J’s.

    And I did sit down for a few minutes…perhaps an inning. Then guilt took
    over and I uttered those great words.  “Get a Blue Jay…five bucks only!”
    “Blue J’s — for your bum or your trophy wall.” “No peanuts, no popcorn — Blue J’s”
    And then moved back up the aisle where Marjorie was having better
    luck at sales.  

    alan


    image0.jpegimage0.jpeg


    Sent from my iPhone

    On Apr 21, 2022, at 11:01 PM, Scott Bartle <scott@sbartle.com> wrote:

    Thanks Alan, that was very good !

    Some have said that the team couldn’t have won without our help 😄



    EPISODE 670 A —     BLUE JAYS WoN WORLD SERIES 1992 AND 1993 — WE SOLD BLUE J’s 


    alan skeoch
    april 21, 2022


    1992 Blue J's.jpg


    THE BLUE “J” CA[PER 1993 (PARKDALE ROTARY CLUB)

    SCOTT BARTLE sent this picture today (April 21,2022)a.  Impossible to forget those halcyon days of

    1992 and 1993 when our Bluejys won back to back Baseball World Series championships.

    Back then I was a member of the tiny Parkdale Rotary Club … a club that made up for
    its size in spirit a lot of which was generated by Scott Bartle although he would insist
    that was not the case.   

    “Rotarians, I have a plan whereby we can make a little money and have a good time doing it.”
    “You have a plan?”
    “We can sell Blue J’s at the stadium…got clearance to do so.:
    “What is a Blue J ?”
    “Exactly what it says it is…a Blue J, made of foam rubber, about 2 feet long and 2 inches thick…soft as a baby’s bottom.”
    “Who would buy them?”
    “Fans…we are in the World Series for the second time…some would want a souvenir…others would want something soft
    to put their bums on…either way they will sell and we’l get a percentage for community work.”
    “When?;’”
    “Final game …need everybody out selling.”
    “Can Marjorie come as well?”
    “Need all the help we can get.”



    Luke-Anderson-receiving-his-PHF.png

    Recent picture of Scott Bartle with a Paul Harris Rotary award.

    PARKDALE ROTARY CLUB — SMALL GROUP WITH BIG INTENTIONS

    (NOTE: Scott Bartle, and friends Frank and Bruce,  invented the Blue J concept and then
    produced them.  The market was never big enough so the Blue J moment in history 
    was short but a lot of fun.)

    And so the adventure began.  Our principal, Bob Putnam, had joined the Parkdale Rotary Club as part of his
    community outreach.  Then the Board of Education shuffled him off to Western Tech.  And I took
    his place with the Rotarians.  This was not easy.  Teaching full time does not leave much time for
    community work.  But it was important.  Parkdale was a needy community.  Still is today.  Needed
    the Rotarians.  I felt strongly that the community that paid my salary should get something back…same
    feeling as the example set by Bob Putnam.  But how to get the time?  

    And now expected to sell Blue J’s at our baseball stadium.  Like selling popcorn and peanuts.  Rather
    demeaning.  Lessons to prepare, papers to mark…where will I find the time? Time was found. Good time.

    So glad we made time for this adventure.
    I will never forget the  game.  Nice warm sunny day with thousands of people streaming into
    the place.  We…our whole club with wives and others…intercepted the crowd inside.  “Get your Blue J…only $5”
    “GET A BLUE J…TO SIT ON”  “GET a Blue J to wave the team on to victory.”  “Better than popcorn.” (and other assorted yells)

    Scott had a truckload of the Blue J’s ready.  

    I am writing this note on April 21, 2022. Someevents are fuzzy.  but I remember much that day back in 1993 as
    if it was yesterday.  “Get your Blue J…now…Before we are sold out.” (a huckster’s lie). 

    Two incidents come to mind in particular.

    1): “Alan, look over there.  That’s Mike Harris from North Bay.  I’m going over to say
    hello…knew his mom and dad well, Hope and Dean were raised near Parkdale before moving to North Bay
    …I even had a date with his older brother Sid…back
    then Mike was just a little boy but he might remember.”’’
    “Well, how did it go?”
    “Failed…he would not even look at me.”

    Marjorie tried…failed.
    “Alan, he would not even look at me.”
    “Must have been the Blue J’s you were holding…maybe he did not have five bucks.”
    …maybe he thought you wanted his signature on the Blue J?
    “He just lost my vote.”

    2)  “Alan,” said Scott, “You take the centre aisle that runs from the bleachers right down to home plate.”
    “Just me?”
    “Marjorie and you.”
    So I nabbed the prize aisle.  From the people with no money in the gods to the
    the moneybag bunch behind home plate. “Get Your Blue J … Five Bucks”
    I sold a bunch but was surprised at the response from some of the front
    line fans.  “Get out of the way!” “For God’s sake sit down!” “I paid to see the goddman name…not to see a huckster like you”
    “Do you have a permit?””You son of a bitch, I missed that pitch.” “Prick!”  Kind remarks like that…lots of them.  What was I to do?”

    The answer was obvious.  Answer given by the fans.  “Sit Down!”  So I sat down on the cement steps
    just above the catcher…direct line from the pitcher.  Comfortable on my pile of Blue Js.  Marjorie was selling at the top and
    doing well.  I was not needed.  Hoped that Scott did not see me.”

    attachment.jpegattachment.jpegattachment.jpegimages.jpegimages.jpeg
    Strange.  I have searched through many pictures of the fans in 1993.  Lots of
    pictures of Joe Carter and Pau Molitor but no picture of fans waving a Blue J.
    Why is that?  Maybe Blue Jay management expected a cut of our small community
    budget.



    1992 Blue J's.jpg


    POST SCRIPT:  I Write this in memory of Tommy MacTaggart, Rotarian, whose memorial will be celebrated in Aliston on May 15.

    POST SCRPT:  IF you can find an old 1993 copy of Sports Illustrated you will find us waving and selling our Blue J’s…even
    a pic of me sitting down behind home plate.  

    POST SCRIPT:  AT one point I was treasurer of our Rotary Club.  That was an eye opener.  Up until
    then I thought Rotarians were all well healed business people.  Nor so.  Most were just people of modest means
    who wanted to help other people.   Much of the money raised went to help support the Redwood shelter for women
    fleeing abusive relationships.

    alan skeoch
    april 21,2022