Big drama with my Uncle coming into town for a little fishing:

1. his trailer axle threw one wheel’s studs
2. he forgot his code to buy more minutes on his cell phone
3. his bank declined his attempt to withdraw funds (first time in 20+ years at that bank)
4. so, his parts won’t be ordered ’til his wife gets there in another hour!

UPDATE: $500 bucks later (hub, wheels, hotel…), he made it down when we discovered his starter was dying on him. I didn’t wanna-make-a big deal of it, but David really hooked us up in a 24 hr squeeze – thanks again!

If this guy has his way, the fate of Shem Creek and our docks on it will go to the highest bidder – one step closer to pushing out the little guy and ushering in out of towners (just like those monstrous cruise ships across the harbor do already).

One of the stipulations for the lottery is that bidders have a local business license, but we all know there are ways around that one; for instance, ever notice how most corporations are created in Delaware or Nevada due to their low corporate taxes?

“I think it’s important for everyone in the commercial fishing industry to have a chance to dock up there” – Eric Demoura, current Town Administrator

While that sounds like a fair share for everyone, as we all know, what will probably happen is that these 6 spots – 4 shrimp boats + 2 crab boats – will be won by those with the most money to bet with come lottery day (Feb, 1st each year).

And a Shem Creek fish market? I don’t see Shem Creek ever looking like San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, so why even go there? There isn’t enough fish in the sea to sustain another fish market on this creek.

The other side of the coin is that cutting down on shrimping helps out other species with a lower by-catch over time, but for many, it’s a small price to pay when it comes to a shrimper’s livelihood or a town’s primary draw for traveling visitors.

Anyway, the full council must approve the lottery 7 days from now before it goes into affect, so voice your concerns accordingly.

So much for small town ambiance!