Pulpo y Lobos Marinos

We had arrived in Bahia Asuncion on Wednesday, and it was now Monday. We were ready to scrub up some more tile floor, and clean more windows---maybe even paint a little--then Armando, our builder arrived.

We communicate fairly well with Armando, our little Spanish, and he is now comfortable enough with us to practice his little English. But this time he brought along one of his brothers, Hector, and a visiting sobrino (nephew), Jesus who speaks a lot of English --- we all just needed to be sure we really understood each other.

Out of the blue, Jesus said Hector wanted to invite us to go out with him to check his pulpo (octopus) traps. Actually, they were inviting John and were a little surprised I wanted to go. We looked at each other and spent about 10 seconds thinking about our plans to clean and paint, then jumped on the opportunity to share in this part of life in Bahia Asuncion.
We don't eat pulpo, and probably never will, but that didn't matter.

Off we went

Hector, our captain



First he checks his crab trap--he keeps some for bait, and the rest are returned to the sea.



Jesus shows us a crab up close and personal -- they both wanted to make sure we enjoyed and saw everything



Some other creatures that are returned to the sea appear in some of the traps.



Didn't want to touch this guy



Some traps that he decides to put in new locations



The Pulpo





This guy wanted his share



The traps were cleared and back in the water, and then suddenly they asked us if we wanted to see these guys



los lobos marinos---the sea lions on the island. There are only about 3500 of them and we can hear them barking from our home. It was windy and not the best photo taking situation, but we were not about to say no.

We have seen lots of sea lions before, but never so many in one place, nor heard them so loud as their barks echoed off the rocks.









There were a few of these guys also hanging around



It was time to head back---water was quite rough, and if I had stood up like them, I would be in Davy Jones Locker.



Before we hit shore, the pulpo are dealt with---their heads are twisted off---not a part I really enjoyed, but a real part of the job.



And the heads are fed to the birds



Back to shore we head



And one last picture---one that made me think about Bernie and his Avatar --Jesus is handing a shell creature to John to see before it is returned to the ocean.



So glad we decided to leave window and floor cleaning for another day.

Diane

jdtrotter, Thanks. Super pics. Washing windows and floors can be done anytime. What breed of camera?

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress jdtrotter, Thanks. Super pics. Washing windows and floors can be done anytime. What breed of camera?

My new camera is the Cannon Rebel XT---I am still learning how to use it and when in these situations, I tend to use the program mode which is close to point and shoot---not enough time to remember what I need to try. But I will learn. The water was rough and just would not hold still for me.

I will say, however, even with point and shoot, I love this camera. I just hated that delay on my old cannon.

Oh, some of the floors and windows are still waiting to be cleaned ---- soon.

Diane

[Edited on 6-27-2007 by jdtrotter]

jdtrotter, Thanks for the info and good luck with everything.

Octopus !! Yummy !!
I can't wait to taste your version.

edit "4" culinary firsts for me with Shari or Juan cooking;

Abalone
Giant Sea Snails
Sheepshead Stew
Waffle French Toast

All very yummy in my tummy!!

.

[Edited on 6-28-2007 by Diver]

Yup, fine mesh traps with a narrow opening are used and the crabs are used as bait. So besides seaweed, the only other critters caught are very small---they are returned to the sea.

It would be fasinating to see the ceramic vases used for pulpo.

Still not sure I will eat pulpo, but we will see.
Diane

Diane

Bernie

Bernie