I am actually toying with the idea gonna talk to gayle and see if she may be up to a road trip but then claudia has threatened to come our way so that takes first concideration for me. Would be fun to see astoria again haven't been there for years.

Thank you so much for your kind words.  They mean so much to me.  I wish I had been part of the early fun--maybe in time you all will share some stories.  The guy who has cut my hair for 30+ years believes each soul is eternal and that there are "soul families"--groups of souls who recognize each other no matter what the circumstances.  I like to think that's the reason for the connection.  I just watched the New Orleans video--no sound here at work, but it looks like another great memorial to a great guy.  Love that music!  If you haven't heard it, the song Hear You Me by Jimmy Eat World says it all, too.  I'm going to see Sig & The Hillstrands talk on July 24th here in Portland and hope to make it down to Astoria for the Fishermen's Festival in September.  Anyone else planning on going to those events?  My husband will think I'm crazy, but it would be fun to meet and say hello.

Bummerchat?? PRICELESS!! 

Hey girls I am back!!! First can I just say how refreshing it is to have a site that has always been about phil and the guys..not trying to get us to buy anything and trying to out do each other on who is the most special...thanks claudia you have been true right from the get..not that there weren't our share of s*#t but even at its worst it has always been more fun. I think also because Phil actually participated in this one right from the start so you knew you had his blessing when the others came along he just wasn't that into them but for you newer folks you really did miss out on some great times. One thing you may not know about the capt. is he couldn't spell omg it was funny and of course his brain always ran much faster than his typing skills so it really was a crap shoot on what you got. As for Kim I think people here will understand more than you think whether you actually met Phil or not he just had a way about him that made you feel like you were a part of his life and that was just one of his many gifts that he had for us. If you were lucky enough to have met him he made you feel like you mattered and make no mistake you did. And I guess if I could only tell him one thing to day is that HE mattered. So no I get it and I get a lot of e-mails stating the same thing I don't think it is odd at all I know it makes me smile everytime I hear of someone that he effected one way or another and it is stories like yours that will always help me remember not only him but what a gift he was.

Stumbled on this site by accident.  Used to go salmon fishing with my dad when I was a kid, and grew up eating fresh-caught Dungeness.  Saw a few episodes of DC prior to 2008, but my husband and I took an Alaskan cruise in 2008 to celebrate the wedding of our oldest daughter and our 30th anniversary.  Visited the Aleutian Ballad, and it became one of the highlights of our trip--weird to meet others who know Coos Bay and Astoria.  Watched some episodes from the 2008 season, then lost track until my husband told me Phil died.  Hit hard--I lost my mom to a stroke/aneurysm combo in 1997.  She just couldn't give up the smoking and drinking.  When you lose someone important to you it's hard not to blame yourself a little bit--all those "if only I'd..."  It took years before I was able to see I had no control over her choices.  You keep thinking if you love someone enough you can change them or that they will change because they love you.  Also hard for me because Phil was only a month older than my husband, and we have 2 girls almost the same ages as Josh & Jake.  Probably just another menopausal symptom, but I can't seem to shake it off.  (Anybody else going thru this?)  I'm not a celebrity chaser so this whole feeling of missing someone I never even met has thrown me for a loop.  Too many parallels, I guess.  Anyway, just thought I'd share my thoughts--for what they are worth.  Dana-I'm in healthcare so I know those stones can be killers--hope they pass quickly and easily.  To the rest of you- thanks for listening.

Hey girls.. how are ya all?    notice it has been quiet here, hope all is well.  Look I learned to use the smiley's.. 

It is Friday so and and think  love you all

Deb! Why the HELL didnt you CALL ME??????  Phil is buried right by MY mom too! How crazy is THAT?? I didnt watch last night, and we went out so no chat Knee deep in Cattle Dogs that need new homes....sigh....

Just got in from seattle thought I would catch a couple of you in chat. Finally made it to the cemetary didn't realize that phil and his mom is like 50 ft from my mom. Yep I visited with all of them yesterday. The Pastor that officiated Phils service was there and actually sat with me for about an hour. Had a really nice talk with him and feel a lot better about things today. Had a couple of stories about the actual days events I was never so glad NOT to have attended anything in my life. The Pastor told me I seemed different than the crowd that was there and I told him I would totally take that as a compliment. I also had stories from some of the workers and I actually feel ashamed and sorry for Phil but serves him right for dying..lol I left a rose on all of there graves. i think I pretty much discussed everything I wanted to with Phil then apologised to his mother for my language. Then I visited with my mom and dad for a bit then went to the casino. I made sure upon check in that I had a room on a floor that I had never been on before as that would of been just tooo difficult yet. I had the same bellman from many times before and he told me he always knew it was me that had tipped him. (smart kid)Then he asked me if Phils car was a ferrari and I said why is that what he told you?? He said no he just couldn't remember all he remembered was the console that had his logo and his name on the seats and I said yeah with all the bright red corvettes Phil had to make sure he was getting into the right one. He just laughed..He also had stories from the days events which I will share another time. I went to Phils house but too soon for that Grant wasn't home so I left quick. Went to yakima fruit stand and thanked stewart for aknowledging Phil on there sign. It was fun to see he and Karin who has now inherited the business from the parents(still alive just retired) great people.Then on to Blythe park where we would skip school and dive off the trussel can't believe we lived as long as we did after seeing that after all these years. Had a hamburger at the good ole ranch drive-in again the stories. Great couple of days... just want him back.

I've had this for a little while....yall know....same ole excuse...just no time. 

This is a picture Cheryl dug up of her and Phil from 35 years ago.  Thank you so much Cheryl for sharing.  We love you, Girl! 

My "capitive audience " DOES consist of....3!!!! The Cow-Medusa, and the Queen of Slander...ahhhh..bring it.   

Yep! A choir of 3! LOL!!!!! 

Josh has some great new pics on his FB   That kid is SO awesome. Just like his dad

Ok- I DID watch it DWTS was on before DC, so I watched...I can see how Discovery is manipulating Phil's scenes to lead up to the end. Oh well, its their job I guess. I doubt I'll watch the "ending" of DC though.... its creepy, but thats just me. I know how it ends. I want to remember Phil as Phil and not relive all the sadness of his passing.

Hey Girls!  Again I must apologise for being away AND for not having the chatroom ready. But it will be up and running before the next episode....I promise ya that!

I did watch the show last night and I was quite pleased with it.  I've decided that I will stick with the show until I sense a "crossing of the line" where Phil's dignity is in question.  I'll cut it off at that time.

Last night was sure bittersweet.  He really looked as though he didn't feel at all good.  My heart went out to him.  I kept looking at him and remembering the spry near full of energy Phil.  The Phil that jumped up and down to whatever caught his eye.  He was VERY hard to keep up with, girls!  Gayle can testify to that definitely after the Walmart trip! 

Gayle....don't let the "parasite hanger-ons" spoil it for you.  Watch The Man in all his glory doing what he loved to do.  Girl....I had you and Deb SOOOOO MUCH on my mind last night.   


On to my thoughts of the rest of the show. 
I think Phil made a very good decision in switching the Jakes.  I hope to see some very good results come opilio season when Jakester returns to the CM. 

I remember when I met Josh and Jake in Spokane.  There was a knock on our hotel room door.  I went to answer....wondering who the heck it could be.  I was REALLY far from home and Gayle was across the state from her home.  John was out partying so we knew it wasn't him.  I opened the door and low and behold stood J & J! They were gearing up to party and wanted Gayle and I to come along.  Being as exhausted as we were...we declined.  So off they went....and back they came around 2 or 3! LOL  Gayle....I will NEVER forget that....

I think Josh will forever take care of his brother....no matter how old he gets.  They may bicker like crazy...but they love each other, for sure.