In The Uchuck Years, David Esson Young shares a quintessential coastal tale about his life on the Uchuck vessels—the historic steamships that played a central role in the communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
In the Alberni Inlet, and later in Nootka Sound, the Uchuck—with Esson Young at the helm—carried groceries and liquor, freight and even beach-bound day trippers to and from civilization. There are few people who lived or worked in any of the coastal towns or camps in the area that would not recognize the name ‘Uchuck’.
Esson Young spent 50 years with the company, growing from a teen working on Saturdays to co-owner and shipmaster.
For those who have traveled aboard any of the Uchucks or who are familiar with the coastal waters of Vancouver Island, the terrain will be familiar and Esson Young’s tales will leave you reluctant to put the book down.
Port Alberni visitors can see Esson Young’s memories up close at the Maritime Discovery Centre’s Ken Hutcheson Gallery, where memorabilia from the Uchuck and MV Lady Rose is on display until the end of summer.
Published by: Harbour Publishing
Available at: Maritime Discovery Centre, Salmonberry’s, Curious Coho
List price: $24.95