Windsor Plywood French Creek: Brought to you in part by Windsor Plywood in French Creek, specializing in hard to source interior and exterior home finishing products, including flooring, doors and moldings and exterior project materials such as yellow cedar. Windsor Plywood French Creek carries high quality, responsibly sourced products and are committed to providing outstanding value and personalized one on one service to all of our customers, homeowners, do it yourselfers, renovators, builders, designers, craftsmen, and contractors. Regardless of the type or size of your project, Windsor can help you bring your vision to life, from start to finish. Let Windsor Plywood and French Creek help you with your renovation, new build, or building project. Visit them online, or call 752 3122.

Eddie Van Haddock & The Rockfish: In a little town by the sea where the stories never end, lived Captain Dave and his crew, every child's favorite friend. With a smile as wide as the ocean and a heart that's full of dreams, he sails a mellow submarine where magic gleams and beams. Every morning at sunrise, when the world awakes anew, Captain Dave and his crew set sail in waters deep and blue through the ticking clock of time. Where adventures come alive, they laugh and learn and play each day in their underwater dive.

Dave Graham: In waters deep and blue through the ticking clock of time where adventures come alive. They laugh and learn and play each day in their underwater dive. Captain Dave and the Meow Submarine, the sun sparkled on the gentle blue waves of the Strait of Georgia. As Captain Dave stepped onto the deck of the Mellow submarine, his beloved yellow vessel.

Unlike most submarines. The Mellow Submarine spent most of its time above water, bobbing peacefully along the beautiful coast of Vancouver Island. Good morning, Larry! Captain Dave called out, adjusting his captain's hat. It was a perfect white hat, with a blue anchor embroidered on the front. And it sat atop his salt and pepper hair, which matched his bushy beard.

Larry the lobster scuttled across the deck, his bright red shell gleaming in the morning sun. Unlike most lobsters Larry could survive both in and out of the water. And he wore a tiny blue sailor's hat, perched between his antenna. Good morning, Captain! Larry clipped his claws together in excitement. It's a beautiful day for an adventure, eh?

Captain Dave nodded, breathing in the fresh, salty air. Indeed it is, my crustacean friend. I've got a feeling something interesting awaits us today. The Mellow Submarine wasn't your ordinary vessel. It was painted a cheerful yellow with blue trim. When adventure called, Captain Dave could take it underwater.

But most days, they preferred to float along the surface, enjoying the scenery and the sunshine. What's our course today, Captain? Larry asked, pulling out a tiny notebook from the pocket of his sailor vest. Captain Dave stroked his beard thoughtfully. I thought we'd explore the Parksville Qualicum area today.

I've heard the herring are running and it's quite a spectacle to behold. Larry's antenna wiggled with excitement. Herring season already. Time sure flies when you're having fun at sea. Aye, that it does, chuckled Captain Dave. Let's get the crew assembled and set sail! The crew of the Mellow Submarine was small but mighty.

Besides Captain Dave and his first mate Larry, there was Sammy the Seagull, who served as their lookout. Olivia the Octopus, their engineer, and Percy the Puffin, their navigator. Once everyone was aboard, Captain Dave turned the key in the ignition, and the Mellow Submarine's engine hummed to life with a gentle purr.

All hands on deck, called Captain Dave. We're setting course for Parksville and Qualicum. Percy, plot our course. Percy the Puffin saluted with his wing and waddled over to the navigation station where he began tapping on the nautical maps with his colourful beak. Course plotted, Captain, Percy announced.

Straight up the coast. Excellent, Captain Dave turned the wheel and the mellow submarine began to move through the water. Sammy, keep your eyes peeled for any interesting sights. Sammy the Seagull flew up to his perch on top of the submarine's conning tower. Aye aye, Captain, he squawked. As they sailed northward, the crew of the Mellow Submarine sang sea shanties and told stories.

Larry prepared lunch, delicious seaweed sandwiches and kelp chips, while Olivia tended to the engine, her eight tentacles working simultaneously on different tasks. By midday, they had reached the waters near Parksville and Qualicum Beach. It was a picturesque area with sandy shores, forested islands, and rocky outcroppings where, true to Captain Dave's prediction, dozens of seals were basking in the sunshine.

Look at those lazy fellows, Larry pointed with his claw. They've got the right idea on a day like today. Captain Dave laughed, Oh, they sure do. But they're not just lounging. They're resting up for a feast. The herring are coming and those seals know it. As if on cue, Sammy called down from his perch.

Captain, several boats ahead and the water looks strange. Kind of silvery. Captain Dave's eyes lit up. That'll be the herring seiners. And what you're seeing in the water is the herring themselves. Thousands and thousands of them. The Mellow Submarine approached slowly. In the distance, they could see several fishing boats.

These weren't ordinary fishing vessels, but specialized boats designed for catching herring using a method called seine fishing. What's seine fishing, Captain? asked Larry, watching the boats with curiosity. Well, Larry, Captain Dave began, always happy to share his nautical knowledge. Seine fishing uses a large net that hangs in the water like a curtain.

The fishermen encircle a school of herring with the net, then draw it closed at the bottom, like a purse. That's why it's sometimes called purse seining. It's a way to catch a large number of fish at once. Larry watched, fascinated, as one of the boats deployed its net. Wow! There must be thousands of fish in there!

Millions more likely, corrected Captain Dave. The herring come here every spring to spawn. It's one of nature's great migrations. Olivia the octopus joined them on deck, wiping engine oil from her tentacles with a rag. It's amazing how many there are, she said in her soft voice. The water literally turned silver with them.

As they watched, the water around the mellow submarine began to shimmer and ripple. Looking over the side, the crew could see countless herring swimming just beneath the surface. They're everywhere! exclaimed Larry, his eyes wide with wonder. Sammy swooped down from his perch and landed on the railing. The other seagulls are having a feast, he reported.

And look at those seals now. Everything in the ocean depends on these little fish, explained Captain Dave. They're like the grocery store of the sea. Everyone comes to eat. As they continued to watch the Herring Seiners at work, a small boat approached the Mela submarine. A fisherman in bright orange overalls waved to them.

Ahoy there, called the fisherman. You folks interested in seeing the Herring up close? Absolutely, Captain Dave called back. We've come a ways to witness the Herring run. The fisherman maneuvered his boat alongside the Mela submarine. Name's Jack. He introduced himself. Been fishing these waters for 30 years.

Never gets old seeing the herring come in. I'm Captain Dave, and this is my crew. Dave gestured to his animal friends. If Jack was surprised to see a talking lobster, octopus, seagull, and puffin, he didn't show it. In the waters around Vancouver Island, stranger things had been known to happen. We're just finishing up for the day.

Jack said, but if you follow me back to the dock, I can show you what we do with a herring after we catch him. Captain Dave looked at his crew who all nodded eagerly. Lead the way Jack! They followed Jack's boat toward the shore where several other herring seiners were already docked. The harbor was bustling with activity as fishermen unloaded their catches.

Once they had secured the mellow submarine to the dock, Captain Dave and his crew disembarked to join Jack. Most of what we catch goes for the roe, the eggs. Jack explained, showing them containers of gold and herring eggs. It's considered a delicacy in many places. What happens to the rest of the fish?

Asked Larry, genuinely curious. Some is used for bait in other fisheries, some for food. Jack replied, nothing goes to waste. As they walked along the dock, observing the different boats and their catches, a commotion broke out at the far end. A group of fishermen were gathered, looking concerned. Wonder what's going on there?

Muttered Jack. Captain Dave, always one to help in a potential crisis, said, Let's go see if they need assistance. They approached the group, and Jack called out to one of the fishermen he knew. Hey Mike, what's the trouble? Mike, a weathered man with a thick beard, turned to them with a worried expression.

It's the strangest thing, Jack. The herring were the thickest thieves this morning. But when we went back after lunch, they'd completely vanished. Not a single fish to be found. Jack frowned. Well, it is strange. They don't usually move on so quickly once they've started spawning. And that's not all, added another fisherman.

The seals are gone too. Usually there'd be dozens sunning themselves on seal rock, but it's completely deserted. Captain Dave stroked his beard thoughtfully. Something must have scared them off. But what could scare away thousands of herring and a colony of seals at the same time? Wondered Larry. Jack shook his head.

I've been fishing these waters for decades, and I've never heard of anything like this. The herring run is usually predictable. Captain Dave's adventurous spirit was stirring. This sounds like a mystery that needs solving. He declared, And if there's one thing the crew of the Mellow Submarine loves, It's a good mystery.

Larry clipped his claws in agreement. We were just looking for an adventure, And it seems like adventure has found us. Jack looked at them hopefully. You think you could figure out what happened to the herring? It's not just our livelihoods at stake. herring's spawn. We'll certainly try, promised Captain Dave.

Can you show us this cove where the herring disappeared? Jack nodded. I can do better than that. I'll take you there myself. As they rounded the rocky point, a beautiful cove came into view. It was sheltered by high cliffs on three sides and had a pebble beach. In the middle of the cove stood a large rock formation that rose out of the water like a small island.

That's seal rock, Jack pointed. Usually covered with seals this time of year, but look at it now. Empty. And the water should be silver with herring, added Mike, who had come along. But look how clear it is. Captain Dave peered into the water. It was indeed crystal clear, with no sign of the massive schools of herring they had seen earlier.

Sammy! Captain Dave called up to the seagull circling above. Do you see anything unusual from up there? Sammy flew in a wide circle, his keen eyes scanning the area. Nothing in the water, Captain, he reported. But there's something strange on the far side of Seal Rock. Jack maneuvered the boat around Seal Rock, and everyone gasped at what they saw.

A large black pipe extended from the water up onto the rock, where it connected to some sort of mechanical device. What in the world is that? exclaimed Jack. That definitely doesn't belong here. Captain Dave's eyes narrowed. No, it certainly doesn't. Let's go ashore and investigate. Jack brought the boat up to Seal Rock and they carefully disembarked.

Upon closer inspection the device appeared to be some sort of underwater sound generator. I think I know what this is, Captain Dave said gravely. It's an acoustic deterrent. It emits sounds underwater that scare away marine life. Larry tapped the device with his claw. Who would put it there, and why would they want to scare away the herring?

Before anyone could answer, they heard the sound of another boat approaching. Everyone quickly hid behind the large rock formations, peeping out to see who was coming. A sleek, expensive looking speedboat entered the cove, and a man in a business suit stepped onto seal rock. He was accompanied by two others who looked like hired hands.

The area clear? The man in the suit asked, his voice carrying across the water. Yes, Mr. Blackcoat. One of his companions replied, The acoustic deterrent worked perfectly. No herring, no seals, no fishermen. Excellent. Mr. Blackcoat smiled smugly. Tomorrow we'll bring in the construction crew. With the herring gone, there's nothing to stop us from building the luxury resort.

The environmental protection order only applies if the herring are actively spawning here. Captain Dave and the others exchanged shocked glances. We've got to stop him! Whispered Captain Dave, but how? Larry thought for a moment, then his antenna perked up. I have an idea, he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

While Mr. Blackcoat and his henchmen were busy examining their device, Larry secretly scuttled across the rock, and using his powerful claws, severed the power cable connecting the acoustic deterrent to its battery pack. The moment the device stopped working, something magical began to happen. The water around Seal Rock started to shimmer and within minutes, silvery herring began to pour into the cove as if they had just been waiting for the horrible noise to stop.

What's happening? Demanded Mr. Black Coat as the water turned from clear blue to silver before his eyes. The herring are coming back! Jack exclaimed, no longer bothering to hide. You can't drive them away that easily! Mr. Blackcoat spun around, shocked, to discover he had company. Who are you people? This is private property!

Actually, said Mike, stepping forward, this is protected crown land and what you're doing is illegal. As if to emphasize the point, the seals began to return as well. They're curious heads popping up in the water around the rock. Some even began to haul themselves back onto their favorite sunning spots, seemingly unbothered by the human standing there.

Realizing he was caught, Mr. Blackcoat tried to make a run for his boat. But he found his path blocked by Olivia the octopus, who had stealthily positioned herself between him and escape. Her eight arms folded across her chest in a very intimidating manner. Going somewhere? She asked sweetly. Captain Dave pulled out a radio from his pocket.

I think the Coast Guard would be very interested to hear about your acoustic deterrent, Mr. Blackcoat. Interfering with a protected herring spawning ground is a serious offense. Within the hour, a Coast Guard vessel arrived, and Mr. Blackcoat and his associates were taken away for questioning. The acoustic deterrent was taken as evidence.

As they watched the Coast Guard boat disappear around the headland, Jack turned to Captain Dave and his crew with a grateful smile. You folks saved the day. If the Herring had been driven away, it would have been devastating for the local ecosystem, not to mention our fishing community. Captain Dave beamed with pride.

All in a day's work for the crew of the Mellow Submarine. We're always happy to help. Captain, Larry said, tugging on Dave's sleeve. I just realized something. You figured out what was wrong with the herring right away. You really aren't hard of herring. He dissolved into fits of giggles at his own joke.

Captain Dave groaned good naturedly. Oh, Larry, that was terrible. But I guess I deserved it for all the crustacean jokes I've made at your expense over the years. Everyone laughed, and the seals on the rocks barked, seemingly in appreciation of the joke as well. By sunset, the cove was once again teeming with life.

The herring had returned in full force, turning the water silver. The seals were back on their rock, diving occasionally to feast on the abundant fish. Even the seabirds had returned, wheeling and diving above the cove. That evening, as the Mellow Submarine bobbed gently at the dock, Captain Dave and his crew settled in for the night, tired, but content after their exciting day.

Where to tomorrow, Captain? Larry asked sleepily from his small bunk. Captain Dave smiled, looking out the porthole at the star filled sky. Who knows, Larry, that's the beauty of our life on the Mellow Submarine. Every day brings a new adventure, and I wouldn't have it any other way. With the gentle rocking of the waves lulling them to sleep, Captain Dave and his crew dreamed of the adventures that awaited them, secure in the knowledge that they had made a difference today for the Herring, for the Seals, and for their new friends in Parksville and Qualicum.

And as for Mr. Blackcoat? Well, let's just say he would think twice before trying to interfere with nature again. After all, with Captain Dave and the crew of the Mellow Submarine around, The good guys always won, and the herring would always have a safe place to spawn in the beautiful waters of Vancouver Island.

Eddie Van Haddock & The Rockfish: When the night falls softly, and stars light up the sky, Captain Dave tucks his crew in with a gentle lullaby. Dreams of whales and mermaids, of treasures lush and green, Await each little sailor aboard the mellow submarine. 

Windsor Plywood French Creek: Brought to you in part by Windsor Plywood in French Creek, specializing in hard to source interior and exterior home finishing products, including flooring, doors and moldings and exterior project materials such as yellow cedar. Windsor Plywood French Creek carries high quality, responsibly sourced products and are committed to providing outstanding value and personalized one on one service to all of our customers, homeowners, do it yourselfers, renovators, builders, designers, craftsmen, and contractors. Regardless of the type or size of your project, Windsor can help you bring your vision to life, from start to finish. Let Windsor Plywood and French Creek help you with your renovation, new build, or building project. Visit them online, or call 250 752 3122.