HISTORICALLY, I’VE TAKEN the tortoise approach to life, as opposed to the hare.
You say slow, I say methodical and measured.
Never one for seat-of-my pants decision making, my choices have moved even further into the thoughtful, planned category since I entered my 30s a few years ago.
No more late weekend nights at the pub or really any activity that would keep me from a restful slumber.
With a vacation coming up after Christmas, I’ve been scouting potential locations for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a different goal in mind than the rowdier nights of my youth: the ability to actually reach midnight before going to bed.
I find I do better with a fireworks celebration to look forward to, although last year’s visit to Seattle ended up a bit of a dud with the Space Needle almost completely obscured by cloud cover.
This year, it looks like a trip to the Pacific Ocean is in order, as a fireworks show occurs off the Long Beach boardwalk.
And there’s another pull to the Pacific; the siren song of shellfish, specifically razor clams, which are tentatively scheduled to be open for an early evening dig on New Year’s Eve.
So it looks like a dig through the sand followed by a quick trip back to the North Olympic Peninsula for some pan-fried clams and a heaping dose of college football on New Year’s Day.
That sounds like a plan I can stick to.
Five days of razor clam digs that have been approved by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife begin Friday and run through Tuesday at ocean beaches.
Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for Fish and Wildlife, recommends clam diggers bring lanterns for these evening digs and come prepared for cold, wet weather.
“This late December opener will be a great time to stock up on razor clams,” he said.
“Smoked razor clams can make a tasty appetizer at a holiday gathering.”
Ayres noted that smoked clams will keep in the refrigerator for two or three weeks.
Recipes for razor clams can be found at tinyurl.com/PDN-RazorRecipes.
The best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide, said Ayres, noting that digging is not allowed at any beach before noon.
Upcoming digs are scheduled on the following dates, beaches and low tides:
■ Friday: 4:41 p.m., 0.0 feet — Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.
■ Saturday: 5:23 p.m., -0.6 feet — Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis.
■ Sunday: 6:06 p.m., -1.1 feet — Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.
■ Monday: 6:48 p.m., -1.3 feet — Long Beach and Twin Harbors.
■ Tuesday: 7:31 p.m., -1.3 feet — Long Beach and Twin Harbors.
Diggers can take 15 razor clams per day and are required to keep the first 15 they dig.
Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2014-15 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
Licenses can be purchased from fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Run with Rudolph
Make a preemptive strike at trimming away the calories from those upcoming Christmas cakes, cookies and pies by participating in the Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Department’s Rain-Deer Fun Run/Walk at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The 5K and 10K run/walk starts at City Pier and follows the Waterfront Trail on an out-and-back course.
Pre-registration participants receive a T-shirt and antlers.
Prizes are awarded for best costume.
The cost is $23 per person, $11 for 18 and younger.
For more information or to register, phone Dan Estes at 360-417-4557 or email destes@cityofpa.us.
Solstice shines light
I’m looking forward to Sunday.
The Seahawks-Cardinals game? Well, that is certainly a big part of my anticipation, but before that 5:30 p.m. slugfest, another monumental moment will occur.
Sunday at around 3:03 p.m. the winter solstice takes place and the march back into the light begins.
From my vantage point in the newsroom I can glance outside and see a portion of parking lot, stacked logs across the street and a sliver of sky.
That sky has been getting darker earlier each and every day, and it will be a welcome sight to have more and more light for everyday activities.
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Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
