Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Coastal BC Animals: Galatheid Crab

Galatheid Crab

We just got back from a cruise in our Bayliner. We started out by visiting Dave and Marg, friends of ours from Powell River. They are helping build a new resort lodge on the Homfray Channel just past Foster Point. While we were there, Dave and Marg took Wayne and I fishing and gave us a Downrigging 101 lesson. We trolled with two lines, one deep (90 feet) and one shallow (50 feet). We caught two lingcod on the deep line, the second of which was a keeper.

On the way back to the resort, we stopped to pull up prawn traps. We were pleased to find 87 large prawns waiting for us in the two sets. Marg says it isn't as good a catch as they get in the cooler weather, but it was plenty for a yummy dinner of prawn and pork kabobs. Oh, and I forgot to mention, Dave's delicious bacon wrapped prawns and eggs for breakfast. Now this is living!

When we pulled the prawn traps, Dave handed me a small crab that was in the trap. It was tiny and delicate. I looked it up on the Internet and think it is called a Galatheid Crab or Squat Lobster. The picture and description seem about right. They grow to about 5 inches, are orange in color and live in deep water (the traps were at 400 feet). I thought it was an amazing looking creature.

Wayne and I are heading up the lake for about a week. When I get back I'll tell you more about our cruise and cabin adventures. Hope your summer weather is as nice as ours. Enjoy! -- Margy

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:22 AM

    It looks like you are having a great summer. Your little critter is really cute. Have fun up at the float cabin. I miss your blogs when you are gone. Hope to see you soon.

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  2. Yumm... My muth is watering! Hope you enjoy your summer cruise adventure over there, here the Winter is a weird one this year, sunny & rainy on the same day...

    Kisses from Nydia.

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  3. Hi Nydia and Betty -

    You are my two best readers. We are back from a week at the cabin so now I can get caught up on some of my stories. Thanks for all of your nice comments. -- Margy

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  4. Hey Margy...I just wanted to let you know I saw your husband's article in the August /September edition of "Our Canada." I was at my parents and was browsing through their magazine...couldn't believe it! My dad fell in love with your spot there on the lake! He is from Newfoundland so LOVES the outdoors, fishing, etc. Happy Cruising! Karyne

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy