CREW...... I've fished with some of the best men on the East Coast.

It would be a tough choice but I know any crew picked and led by the
two listed above would quickly become respected High-liners in Alaska!
I tip my hat to the Deadliest Catch Crews.
READ ON..........

Boats of Wood, Men Of Iron

In a boat built of wood from the mountains of Maine.

With a keel of Pasture Oak, Neptune himself couldn't strain.

After a full days steam to the Nor' East Peak.

Eleven men will fish an eight day week.

Catching Scallops in foul weather and fair, they'll toil the decks with twenty footers everywhere.

Shucking those clams while standing at the box, the drags are hauled back, stuffed full with rocks.

The Captain climbs down and says with a sigh, " Let's finish up boys, it's time to fly".

They step in close to hear what he'll say, " It's a Storm we have, force twelve on the way".

With all secure it's time that they turn, the Great Grey Sea's soon to boil and churn.

So go ahead Storm give it your best, they're full ahead now, bearing due west.

Plunging and plowing long into the night, the Storm may lose, this crews giving fight!

As the heavens above are being torn apart, we find the crew, to a man, praying from the heart.

With first light comes waves running sixty plus feet, so no rest's to be had if the Storm's to be beat.

This grand old boat shudders, struggles to rise, as mountains of water try to claim one more prize.

With windows blown in, water cascading inside, this crew just won't quit, they keep bucking the tide.

After jumping the Shoals then rounding the corner they see, the Hurricane Barrier far off to their lee.

And like a sparkling young maiden worriedly singing her tales, from across the fetch, the lighthouse horn wails.

Finally tied to the dock, eleven weary men rest.

Iron Strong Men, New Bedfords Best !

Phil Ashworth
Dartmouth Massachusetts

Now 49 and all busted up!