Entry No. 4: Time Bandits Will Be Time Bandits

Aboard the Time Bandit, on a wall above the galley table, there is a framed watercolor of a derelict fishing boat, stranded on a beach in the Hillstrands' home port of Homer, Alaska.  When I first noticed it, Andy told me that he and his brothers used to play on that very boat while their father was fishing in the Bering Sea.  When their father returned to port, all of the boys would greet him and run around on his deck. Watching their wild antics one day, their dad was reminded of a film called “The Time Bandits.”  The name stuck, and it is now painted on the bow and stern of their modern black schooner, representing both banner and bounty for the Hillstrands and their crew.

Unfortunately, this particular day was not a day of king-crab bounty.  Regardless of how hard the crew worked, or how fast the block would spin, the Time Bandit’s pots were coming up nearly blank.  There were sea snails and other odd creatures coming up in the pots. This indicated that the pots had just soaked for the last 24 hours sitting on top of bare rock, not in the dark mud the crabs prefer. Capt. Johnathan was in the wheelhouse yelling, “Snails? Snails?” The deckhands burst into laughter. As more and more of the large snails came up in each pot and dropped onto the sorting table, Russell, one of the deckhands, yelled out “Sounds like a bowling alley.” Only humor could keep a day like this going.

Fortunately for the crew, there was plenty to laugh at. Andy and I were standing together on deck between pots.  I had the camera up, and I was getting ready to ask him a question about how the crew manages to get through tough times when the fishing sucks.  At that precise moment a seagull slammed into the top of my head and flew straight into Andy’s face, feathers flying everywhere!  Andy started yelling, “We are being attacked by seagulls!” Then in a fit of silliness, Russell jumped up on the sorting table and Andy, in his white cowboy hat, lassoed him. Russell used his gloved fingers as horns. Deckhands Neil and Nate ran for some seal bombs, and one minute later there were smoking fish parts flying in all directions, coating my camera and lens.

Sure, the crab fishing might have been bad, but everyone was laughing and running around on deck anyway.  All of us were acting like a bunch of silly Time Bandits.  Later, after all of the fish guts and feathers had settled, I remembered that I never did ask Andy that question.

Comments

[Mark Crim]

What would you give for a juicy cheeseburger with fries or 20 lbs of BBQ baby back ribs right now?

[Christine]

I was wondering if you could possibly get some childhood pictures of the Hillstrand brothers. There are childhood pictures of the Hansen brothers in different places on the web, but I don't see any of the Hillstrand family. Since you are on board with them, maybe they can dig some up. Thanks.

[Shelia]

On last nights episode of Deadliest Catch Capitain Johnathon of the Time Bandit surprised me and sparked emotions within myself. The horror of a man overboard and watching it take place confirmed to me that this group of non-family members show true emotions affecting life.
They have a bond between them, even men not of there crew, show the true spirit of life and sportsmanship.
Good job John and keep up the good work.

[Ablackwind]

Proof positive that REAL MEN DO show emotion and that Capt. Jonathan is indeed one helluva REAL MAN!!! My heart was in my throat during last nights frightening man overboard scene. I salute you Capt. for your courage and the courage and heart of your crew. God Bless each and every one of you who put your lives on the line each and every trip out.

[Jim Franklin]

I love eating King Crab. This series puts a whole new spin on a VERY tasty dish. These men are amazing, and the bond they have (even with a total stranger)is special. What a captivating story.

[Rory C]

Thank all of you for this show.

I fished AK through the 80's and early 90's and have until now, never found a way to convey to the folks back here at home what it was like. This comes as close as they will ever get, I suppose. I can see, hear and feel all the things going on the camera can't capture, and it makes my heart race. Just don't take the cameras to town during the really good nights, the family doesn't need to see all that!

It brings back so many memories, good and bad, I'd have traded my time there for nothing in this world. The best job I ever had. I watch now and sometimes can't understand how we all did it back then. I so much can relate to Blake this year. The first time I took off into the Gulf, responsible for five men (boys) and someone else's boat... Whew!

Some of you look familiar, some of the boats also, but It's just too hard to remember for sure. I was working and playing too hard those years to record anything like I should have. I can tell the industry has definately changed though!

Stay safe guys and keep up the good work of taking me home for an hour every week.

PS - Save that money!

[hot for jonathan]

love the show, will not miss an episode

[chuck and Michelle]

went out to eat last night and decided on seafood, been a long time. we both picked Alaskan King crab an remembered thats what the guys on Deadliest Catch provided, we laughed and made a toast to them all.

good fishing guys!

[Holly]

To all the men who risk theit lives to bring my favorite food thumbs up!!!!:) God Bless and be safe! :)