The Pacific Northwest fall sets in as more things I wrote or played managing editor for hit the shelves. Right off the bat is a Passagemaker article of mine featuring a local William Garden trawler owned by the Stewart family. These kinds of charismatic sea salty boats hold a magnetism I cannot resist. That Nightfall also represents wholesome family bonding across multiple generations breathes even more soul into the story.
Getting a few of those shots involved annoying some grouchy anglers on the Edmonds Fishing Pier. Sorry, gents! You can read the whole article here.
What’s more, the newest issue of The Sea Chest has been out for a few weeks but still feels fresh. As a reminder, I’m the editor of this legacy journal of the Puget Sound Maritime historical society. Crafting every detail of this publication with the PSM nonprofit is one of the most rewarding gigs I’ve ever had.
We honor Doug Dixon, founder of the iconic Pacific Fisherman Shipyard, within this issue. He, a passionate PSM member and supporter, passed earlier this year. Deadliest Catch celebrities and the king of Norway alike always paid the man his dues. The yard is a museum in its own way with vintage signage from shuttered businesses of the past on display.
I never got to meet Doug, but he did write a very nice email about me when I was just getting started as editor. Now I’ll never get my chance. It’s not much, but as a magazine editor I can give him well earned cover treatment. RIP, Doug.
The Doug Dixon article is just one of the many worthwhile pieces within the issue. I’m particularly proud that we tout the YMTA Scholarship awards. Too few know that PSM has been awarding scholarships to young people interested in getting into the maritime trades and sciences for years. PSM awarded $27,000 to shiny-eyed young people this year alone! In a dysfunctional world where one can wallow in critique, it’s awesome to be a part of positive action. We as a society earnestly need to nourish a new generation of American mariners and innovative minds.
The Sea Chest really is the only journal of its kind kicking. It even has a centerfold (my idea). More information about The Sea Chest is available here. Consider a subscription.
Consider buying my book, Salmon in the Seine: Alaskan Memories of Life, Death, & Everything In-Between! Available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Powell’s City of Books, and Third Place Books. It’s won eight notable independent/small press book awards, so hey, it can’t be that bad, amirite? Leaving reviews on Amazon helps a ton too.
Always appreciate a tribute to those keeping the past alive! Good on you and all of them. RIP indeed. J