This is the start of the search for the Geoducks. We were quite happy as the ground was not as mucky as we have had in the past. No sinking up to our knees this time. You may be wondering how they know when they have found a Geoduck. It seems that each type of clam you look for has a different sign.
If you see this it's a Geoduck. However, if you see something like this, but it is sort of fuzzy, that would be a horse clam. Believe it or not, but this guys body is about 3 feet down.
Randy was our spotter and he is showing the boys where he saw a Geoduck.
This whole thing is quite a process. First they put the "gun" around the Geoduck. This keeps the sand and water from filling the hole back in. Then they start to dig and dig and dig. Unlike Razor clams, the Geoduck does not move. It no longer has a digger. When they are young they dig down into the sand and then stay in that same spot the rest of their lives.
This was probably the hardest "Duck" they have ever dug. It was really deep and as you can see the "gun" has gone down a long ways. Will is trying to grab the Geoduck now, but the water is already beginning to come over the edge of the tube.
Ah, here it is and it's a nice big one. They boys really worked hard to get it.
Now they have to try and get the "gun" out. It usually just pops out, but it also has never gone down in the sand this far. It took a little prying and digging, but they finally got it.
Look at the size of this one! It was much easier to dig and this time Jennie went head first in the hole to get it.
The weather was beautiful and the water calm, so after dinner Will, Jennie and Ron went for a canoe ride.
Here is Randy's sailboat at anchor in front of their house. Jennie and Will slept in the boat. Talk about a wonderful guest cottage!
Thank you Randy and Beth for another wonderful weekend filled with friendship, good food, and Geoducks. We always look forward to spending time with you.
