Crossing tidal channels where sculpins scurry and darters dart, sticky brine might spill into your boots. You expose not only clams, but also squirming worms, tiny flipping shrimps and little scuttling crabs. Overhead, eagles soar, gulls squawk and great blue herons glide on dinosaurlike wings before settling into sloughs. It is a compelling place, this saturated layer of earth exposed when the tide withdraws. They love running around the beach looking for critters.
Shellfish gathering is a grand tradition on the marine waterways of Washington.
So far this spring, it's been wet and miserable and we haven't seen as much use. But there's still a lot of interest. All rights reserved.