93 Year Old Fisherwoman Brings in the Big One

Ok, I admit it. I've got a soft spot in my heart for any story which takes place in Alaska and revolves around a ninety-three year old fisherwoman and a prize-winning salmon.

Having lived in Anchorage, Alaska for twenty or so years, I've come to appreciate that the results of a fishing derby can qualify as front page news.

This week's coverage of the Valdez (AK) Women's Silver Salmon Derby by the Anchorage Daily News is a fish story different than most because the "queen" of the derby is Lenore Groundwater, a 93 year old great-grandmother from Arizona. Groundwater's son, Lance had four generations of Groundwater women aboard his boat, Walrus when his mother reeled in the big one.

Groundwater was one of nearly 800 women participating in the all-women derby. Her prize winning catch weighed in at 16.58-pounds. 

For her efforts, Groundwater's catch was awarded $1,000 along with a number of other prizes. She was also crowned with the traditional silver tiara. When asked if luck or skill was responsible for her win, Groundwater gave credit to "luck" and added, "That is the same thing about living so old".