Razor Clams are a big deal around here.

Razor Clam harvesting began as a commercial operation as early as the late 1800s. By 1905 there were digging seasons established. In Washington State- mechanical digging was never allowed- so the harvest had to be done by hand shovels. Soon recreational harvesting began in earnest and the clam population began a decline- as did the commercial viability of harvesting for profit. By the 1960s... almost all razor clam harvesting was recreational and finally the beaches were closed to commercial harvesting.

The recreational limit per licensed person is 15 clams now.... and you must wait for the official digging dates. Many people use a 'clam gun'- a tube to catch the critters- but the experienced still prefer a shovel at times.

We wait anxiously for the Clam Tide to be announced- and rain or shine, light or dark- head out to the beach to in pursuit of our limit of this long time tradition.

(photo credits- Historical- from Jack's Country Store and drawings from WA Fish&Wildlife)

Beach Clean-up via Seavue- a Natural History Blog

I missed the Beach Clean-up -since I was in DC that weekend. However, friend-neighbor-historian extraordinaire- Jim Sayce has a new blog with a fun post on the activity. You will really enjoy his blog- he writes great info about the area. I always learn new things when I spend any time with Jim. Now you can spend time with him virtually- visit his blog- Seavue - a Natural History Blog.

I love my new Flip!

No- not the infamous hairstyle-Flip-but The Flip Video Camera. Madison (my oldest-& full disclosure-he is a video engineer) sent me a very cool birthday present. I was especially impressed because he was in Europe at the time. He sent it and told me that he expected the seaviewwa blog to enter a new era of video.... so watch out!

Here is my very very first attempt. Where else but BURGER Night at The Depot.

Now I need to learn the video editing software. (and no i didn't cut my hair)

Busy Birthday

It was my birthday last Thursday. I have been blessed with all kinds of wonderful greetings, gifts and activities. My Father sent this photo of my 5th birthday to me. We lived in Duluth and I felt pretty special with that rose corsage and doll cake.

The photo has mud on it- a result of being flooded in 1964 (Salem OR). Our childhood photos all have that tinge of mud speckles and are a bit warped from sitting in Willamette River water. We didn't get FEMA funds or emergency declarations for government $ either. Everyone just pitched in and helped each other out.

Anyway, (I will keep the political comments for my yet to be political blog)- I am happy to show what #5 looked like. For #55- we went off to pick out a brand new iphone and then Happy Hour at Baked Alaska in Astoria.

Shopping with Faith and Harmony & Princess Barbies

We had time before the Superbowl to go shopping and buy all kinds of girlie stuff. Barbies, purses, sunglasses, etc etc.








I flew home early the next day- while they were still sleeping.

Trip to DC

I am still catching up since my trip to DC last week. I was in meetings most of the week- but on Saturday, my Granddaughters braved the extremely cold weather to see the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials with me.