Taken around 5 p.m., near the Chance approach. Any diggers out there: how were the clams?

clam crowd web

North Beach is tentatively set for the first dig. “Copalis Beach,” which is the State’s term for Ocean Shores, Oyehut, Ocean City and Ocean City, has digs Oct. 16, 17 and 18.

“Mocrocks Beach” (Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips) has digs Oct. 17 and 18.

The complete season: Razor Clam 2009-10

Dan Ayres of the Dept. of Fish and Wild Life, before heading off to Long Beach for another public meeting tonight, answered my questions about how last night’s public forum in Ocean Shores went, and any tentative opening dates and number of digs:

“We had about 25 people at the Shilo last night and they asked a lot of good questions and provided some good feedback.

“We aren’t ready to announce any tentative dates until we have completed all the meetings…however, the 3rd weekend in October is the best bet for an opener.”

He sent a PDF (coastwide razor clam pop hi) showing historic clam population in Copalis (for some reason, they refuse to call us Ocean Shores).

The number of digs is likely to go up this year, as the 2009-10 clam population is some 6.8 million, well over the 5.1 million average since 2003.

From the Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Clam diggers have received the go-ahead to proceed with the last razor-clam dig of the season, starting Saturday, May 9 at four ocean beaches. 

Beaches open for razor-clam digging Saturday morning include Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks. Two beaches, Long Beach and Twin Harbors, will also be open for digging Sunday, May 10. Digging on all beaches must be completed by noon both days.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) authorized the digs after a series of marine toxin tests conducted by the Washington Department of Health confirmed the clams are safe to eat.

Razor Clam Shovel & Gun Decorating Contest:

Business Category

1st Place–Home Port Restaurant (3rd year in a row)

2nd Place–Cranberry Bay Fabrics & More

3rd Place–North Coast Taxi

Molly High has lived on the North Coast for three years. Last weekend, she decided to become a true local, and writes about her cold, wet weeekend:

3/27/09 4:00 A.M.

Today is my first day ever digging razor clams.  My alarm isn’t supposed to go off until 6:00, but I’m so blasted excited I can’t sleep!  I barely slept a wink but I don’t feel a bit tired, this is going to be the best day ever!   Low tide is at 8:06.  We’re leaving early so we can be the first people on the beach when it gets light.  My dear friend is taking three of us out to teach us the ropes.  I can’t wait, this is going to be so much fun!  I dress warmly in sweats with a winter jacket, hiking boots and a baseball cap to keep my head dry, because there is slight mist blowing around.  But it doesn’t seem too serious.  We’re taking my five year-old son with us, he should have a blast!  If we dig fast, we can have him back in time to go to school.  He will have so much fun!  

Music, and a big crowd:

Kathy Casey sampling the amateur chowders:

Pookie Wright, line cook at Home Port, gets a hug from Kathy Casey (celebrity chef/judge) at the Razor Clam Festival Chowder Cook-off, professionals competition. Emily’s took second, with Front Street Cafe (at Seabrook) getting third.

First place: Thara Eang, getting congratulations (and cash) from celebrity chef Kathy Casey. Second: Dee Dee Bass. Third: Don Toon. All Ocean Shores residents, so it’s a sweep for the home-towners.