STORIES

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Thanksgiving Weekend Road Trip

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By Natalie Melnyk

Community: Thompson

It wasn’t until I began to work for Pacific Salmon Foundation that I realized how little conscious thought I’d actually given to salmon in the past.  I’ve always considered myself to be fairly educated in relation to salmon conservation, as well as to the environment in general.  But now that I’m being exposed to salmon-related issues on a daily basis, it has become clear how little I have in fact “thought salmon” over the years, and how much there is to learn.

I had a chance to broaden my marine biology horizons while on a road trip over the Thanksgiving weekend, when I dropped by the Adams River salmon run—a first for me. Upon arrival, I have to admit that I made a beeline not for the river but for...the bannock stand! 

Basic human necessities having been taken care of, I then found my way down to the water and the action. The river wasn’t quite teeming with salmon the day that I visited, but it was certainly impressive to my newbie eyes.  Kudos to the organizers for the efficient running of the site; parking was painless. 

Although it took me an entire 27 years to witness this amazing natural phenomenon, it was worth the wait.  Another “Canadian experience” crossed off the list! 

Now if only I could catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights…