With the arrival of daylight savings time, we find ourselves with spring slowing following suit. I trust you all had a great weekend and find yourself full of “spring fever.”
I write you from the Outer Banks of North Carolina where it was – I hate to say – absolute paradise this last weekend. The weather could have not been any more beautiful and fisherman flocked to the harbor charters where word was Tuna was running wild off the coast. I took the opportunity over the three days to do a lot of photography in and around the harbors and the one prevalent theme in every port, Blue Fin, Yellow Fin and Black Fin tuna gracing all of the cutting tables. It is amazing to see a 150-pound tuna ….marked by the differing color of the fins. More amazing, the tales you hear as you stand near while the fish are filleted, the “one that got away”.
What I find most intriguing to my lens, though, is the majestic beauty of the fishing vessels and their beautifully painted hulls or markings. They sit in harbor beaming with pride from a days catch waiting the arrival of a new day and a new trip to sea. As I walk the docks of Hatteras Village I am drawn to a fleet of 3 identical ships marked by red and white outriggers. The “triplets” sit dead center in the harbor as if to say we stand alone.
The oldest fishing fleet in Hatteras, Albatross was originally captained by the late Capt. Ernal Foster. The Albatross Fleet has fished the deep waters off the coast of North Carolina since 1937. Ernals’ son, Capt Ernie Foster, now commands the fleet along with Capt. Bryan Mattingly and Capt. Mike Scott. When not at sea you can find the vessels Albatross, Albatross II and Albatross III moored at Foster’s Quay in the heart of the harbor at Hatteras Village.
With the vessels dead center, I give you a panoramic view of the harbor.
In Maritime lore an albatross could be both an omen of good or bad luck, as well as a metaphor for a burden to be carried (as penance).
Best regards …….
~dK~
