Kentucky - Environment Day 6

Day 6:
Written by Chris (Bill) Miller



In the beginning, there was a distinct 'blllrriinnngg blllriiinnngg.' Some say it was the beckoning moans of the scrambled eggs and sausage and potatoes Nathan graciously prepared for us, others agree. As we approached the Kentucky Department of Fisheries and Wildlife to rendezvous with Neil, there was a massive power struggle between the site leaders over whether or not to stop for bottled water. (They had to be separated by van!) Then we started the trek to the processing plant. Yesterday, Ronnie offered to open our trip up to this unique opportunity to see how the fish he catches go from the nets to our lunch plates. Peoples' minds wandered with wandering expectations and visions about what was to come.

When we arrived at Ronnie's home (which is directly next to where the fish market and processor is), we were all greeted with the pleasant barks of three generations of adorable little terriers (most possibly of the rat terrier variety). From there we met Lou, Ronny, Ronny's mother, Ronny's wife, and a few others. Lou was a proactive fellow who was quick to share didactic stories of his past and information about the current Asian carp situation (sprinkled with his own philosophies). Lou then took us on a tour of the facility. We saw how the nets are made and how much financial risk fishermen take on a daily basis. In the back freezer we saw the innards of fish including the air sacs and guts and stuff. Also, there was a line in the back which resembles a clothesline. Max thought it was where the fish were hung. He was wrong; it was for making more net.

Ronny then started cleaning the catfish for our later feast. We were all in awe as he sliced each catfish while telling us stories about his life. According to Ronnie, catfish have nerves, but they are different than ours in a way which they don't feel pain (as they gasped for water in his hand and he chopped off both of their sides…). The family bond was very strong. Ronny's mom was a hoot with her broom which she used as a mock cane (but Ronnie said it was to fly around), and his wife was very knowledgeable about the caviar trade and the importance of awareness of the Asian carp problem. Matt chatted with her much longer than the rest and can give ample details to all interested parties.

About that time the fried feast was ready to serve. There were hush puppies, french fries, onions—and, of course, the fresh catfish! There was only one rule, 'if you go home hungry it's your own fault'. Caitlin and Max both enjoyed their first experience with catfish; everyone else loved it too. We later learned it was Ronny's fault if we went home full.

After lunch we said our goodbyes to all the wonderful people we met. A simple blog in no way does justice to them nor the information nor the passion they possess. Lots of us entered this trip with little if no knowledge of the Asian Carp issue. Now it's something we have discussions with at night back at the cabin.

After driving back and parting ways with Neil, we split into three groups: one to tour the facilities of Murray State University; one to canoe their hearts out; and one that was so exhausted from our hard day of eating that they had to take a two hour catnap. Canoeing, Ethan and Nathan saw a copperhead snake, a dead floating armadillo, and an osprey. The canoe group also lost track of time and raced home to make it by six (our agreed upon going to dinner time), but they arrived huffing and puffing to a silent cabin full of sleeping girls and no rush to leave for dinner! The Murray State crew met with our contact Dr. Flynn, who reads our blog (hey there). They discussed our trip and potential digs and deets for future trips! Max also gave strong comparative criticism of their university's infrastructure as compared to Mizzou's (complete with pictures!).

When everyone finally returned to the cabin, we embarked on a journey to Jasmine, the local sushi and Thai restaurant. The food was delicious and Max learned he doesn't hate sushi. On the way home one of the vans enjoyed a medley of classic hits including "Smang It" and "Rid Wit Me." The other van did not. We cleaned and are now ready to play games before getting one final good night's sleep in our cabin together. A final thought to leave you all with, compliments of Ronnie at the lunch table, "You gotta be who y'is."