Countdown Begins for "Deadliest Catch" 2011 Season 7

Millions of "Deadliest Catch" devotees like me are anxiously counting down the days now until the start of the 2011 season 7 TV show. The Discovery Channel website, notes the sizzling hot show and crab fishing crews will return April 12, at 9 pm ET. So what is a DC super fan to do in the meantime? To help pass that agonizing lag in time, check out some interesting, and fun "Deadliest Catch" related material.

1) Awesome Phil Harris 2010 Corn Maze

He was the much-loved tattooed, Harley-riding skipper of the fishing boat, the Cornelia Marie. Phil Harris, who passed away in February of 2010, is also the dad to Cornelia Marie deckhands, Josh and Jake. The man was highly valued, and deeply respected by "Deadliest Catch" fans.

It was not surprising that fans around the world expressed and continue to communicate, genuine grief at the passing of this passionate captain. Fans at the Rutledge Corn Maze in Tumwater, Washington, celebrated his life last year through "The Captain Phil Harris Memorial Maze." You can see it here. What do you think? Is that not some kind of awesome tribute?

2) Mike Rowe's Podcast about Phil Harris

Did you miss "Dirtiest Jobs" Mike Rowe's tribute to his buddy, Captain Phil Harris? You can download, and listen to the podcast here at Mike Rowe's Scrap Yard. There is no mistaking, the respect and admiration Mike Rowe held for Phil. Be forewarned: tissues are required. The podcast is sincerely heartfelt. It is a terrific and loving manner in which Mike honored his friend.

3) Books by "Deadliest Catch" Captains

Some of the brazen salty dogs who toil the Bering Sea for a living are also authors. Any fan of the show knows that Sig Hansen (of the Northwestern) has a rich Norwegian family history. His book, "North by Northwestern: A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters," takes the reader on he and his father's journey, via his magnificent Norwegian American history.

The book, written by Sig and Mark Sudeen, is an excellent way to get a feel for the world that is Sig Hansen, and the strength that is himself and his family. The history tied to Norway is fascinating and moving.

Time Bandit Captains

In the book, "Time Bandit: Two brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs," Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand, (of the Time Bandit) pull no punches. The seafaring brothers knew life on the edge from a very young age. And, that is putting it mildly. Actually, it is all they have known.

The book, written by Andy and Johnathan, and Malcolm MacPherson, offers super insight into their lives. In addition, it provides an honest and educational look at the wonders of the crabbing industry itself. The Hillstrand brothers' story is an amazing emotional chronicle every fan should read.

4) Unalaska - Port of Dutch Harbor

"Deadliest Catch" and Dutch Harbor are certainly synonymous to fans of the Discovery Channel show. However, the captains and the crews of the crab fishing boats do not reside in Dutch Harbor. They actually live in various states around the country.

But, did you know, Port of Dutch Harbor is rich in 9,000 years of history as well. Sidestepping the crab fishing show for a moment, Port of Dutch Harbor/Unalaska has an intriguing story of its own to tell.

Dutch Harbor is located on the Aleutian Chain. It is about 900 miles southwest of Anchorage -- in Unalaska, Alaska. It may be surprising to learn: the island of Unalaska is considered the 14th largest island in the U.S. Who knew!

Besides fishing, Unalaska/Port of Dutch Harbor boasts the ultimate in bird watching and hiking trails. If you would like to learn more, download the Unalaska visitor's guide here.

5) Josh and Jake Harris

Who is not rooting for the boys' of Captain Phil Harris in "Deadliest Catch" season 7? Josh and Jake have to stand tall in the wake and void of their dad being called home. The eyes of the world will likely be on the late captain's sons, who remained as deckhands on the Cornelia Marie.

Anyone who follows these young men knows it is no secret that they have a ton of fans -- just as their dad had a boatload of fans. A quick search on the Web and you will get an idea of the volumes of articles written about the Harris brothers.

Josh and Jake are extremely photogenic in that engaging James Dean kind of way. They have amazing, attention-grabbing eyes, which are the windows to the soul. While you wait for the return of the show, check out these fantastic January 2011 photos of the brothers Harris. What do those "Deadliest Catch" eyes convey?

Sources:

Discovery.com - "Deadliest Catch"

Sig Hansen, "North by Northwestern: A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters"

Andy and Johnathan Hillstrand, "Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Dirtiest Jobs"

Heather Lyn Photography