One of my first and favorite vacations was spent digging razor clams with my grandparents when I was five years old. I remember the shells and all the fun we had as a family at the beach. Today, I still love the beach. My girls love it as much as I do and we spend a few weekends a year, during minus tides at the bay digging for horseneck (gaper clam) and picking up cockles.
The early low tide is usually best and we can be out on the bay before 6:00 am in most cases. We park at the Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and walk approximately half a mile or so in to bay. Look for a small quarter size hole in the sand that may or may not have sand in it. Poke your finger down the hole; if there is a clam there, it will spit water back up the hole and you can feel the neck retract into the hole. Clams can be down in the sand any where from 6" to 30" inches down in the sand. It is best to dig near the hole and not right on top of the clam. You will have a better chance of getting the clam without crushing the shell. In Oregon, the limit is 20 total clams including a maximum of 12 gaper clams.
The first gaper clam I dug was at Netarts Bay. It was 8 inches across the shell and 3 inches thick. This clam had the longest neck of any clam I had EVER seen. I haven't dug its rival since. In the last two months, we have taken 7 of our friends out and taught them to clam. Believe it or not most of them are still friends. Sandy still exclaims "I cannot imagine why anyone would like to go out and roll in the mud, digging for these foul looking creatures." Bay clamming is dirty and smelly but it is lots of fun. Cleaning the clams, however, is not so much fun. Plan on spending as much time cleaning your catch as you do digging them. I usually fry a few clamstrips and freeze the rest for clam chowder or clam dip in the winter months.
On next outing I will be razor clamming on the North Jetty of Yaquina Bay. Razor clams are quick and I think, harder to dig. There is definately a technique involved. Clamming is a fun family activity your kids will especially love. Remember, a Shellfish license is required to harvest clams, crab and other crusty critters. Licences can be purchased for $6.50 at most sporting good stores. They are valid for one calendar year.
For more information visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
I love Oregon and the Oregon Coast, let me show you why!


One of my favorite childhood toys was a kaleidoscope. One step through the door of this Newport, Oregon studio and you will feel like you are inside a life sized version of a kaleidoscope. Surrounded by a remarkable variety of melding and shiny colors, every where you turn there is something wonderful to see. The shop carries a variety of plates, bowls, vases, lamps, jewelry and of course their stunning glass floats.
Next to finding an full sand dollar, every beachcomber dreams of finding a glass float on the sand after a storm. Traditional glass floats usually come from Japanese fishing nets and travel thousands of miles before touching Oregon Sand. My mom is the proud owner of a 15” Japanese float found by my brother on a beach near Tillamook several years ago. The floats made at Pyromania Glass take the tradition of glass floats and turn it into something extraordinary. The various patterns, colors and texture in the glass distinguish each float as it own unique piece of art.
Lucky for us these floats haven't touched the beach but belong in a treasured spot in your home. I purchased a float in green, blue, white and purple. It is now floating in our pond, much to my husband's chagrin. He couldn't believe I wanted it outdoors and not perched on my coffee table.

As an added attraction, this studio will make a customized float for you while you wait. Just think you could color coordinate a few for your home. These also make great gifts for those friends and family not living in Oregon. Next time you are in Newport, visit Pyromania Glass in the Aquarium Village near the world famous Oregon Coast Aquarium, on the south end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
July 25th marks the date for this year's Santiam SummerFest and it promises to be the biggest and the best one yet. Event organizers, the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce has once again worked diligently to put together another spectacular fun-packed day.
The day begins with the Pancake Breakfast by the Stayton Volunteeer Fire Department from 7:00am - 11:00am at Pioneer Park and continues throught the day with a Family Dog Show, Food Court, Classic Car Show, Bed Races, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Arts and Crafts Booths, Farmer's Market, Music and a Kid's Zone.
For more information please contact Stayton-Sublimity Chamber.
Come and enjoy a fine day of dance, shopping and fun set in the Elizabethan era. Jousting too!
July 18, 19 and 25, 26, 2009
10:00am to 6:00pm
6118 Mt Angel Hwy, Silverton Oregon
Admission $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Children 6-12, Children under 6 free. Seniors 60 and over $8.00. Free Parking.
For more information visit Canterburyfaire.com
I love Oregon, Let Me Show Your Why!

Once again, sponsored by the Salem Art Association, the Salem Art Fair and Festival is scheduled at Bush Park in Salem on July 17-19, 2009. This is one of my favorite events of the year. My family and I look forward to discovering new artists from around the United States. Whether you are into paintings, glass work, metal sculpture, yard art, woodworking or jewelry, there is something for everyone. Be sure to check out the sound stage for great musical acts and the food booths always provide great snacks.
Support the Arts in Salem!
Leslie Stewart, CRS, Buyer's Specialist
The Brenda Bonebrake and Sandy Edwards Team
1155 First St, Stayton Oregon
800-423-7740
I Love Oregon, Let Me Show You Why!
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