Okay, so yesterday was one of several scheduled 'openings' by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for Razor Clamming along the Washington State coast. It afforded a perfect opportunity for some heartfelt 'Male Bonding' among some of the staff of ActiveRain.

Present was Yours Truly, Bob Stewart, Jonathan Washburn, my youngest son, Luke, and Sadie, the Wonder Dog.

We were 'Men-on-a-Mission' as we embarked from the warm confines of my trusty Expedition, heading out to brave the elements, in search of the ever-illusive Razor Clam.

It was quickly evident who the 'newbie' uninitiated were. Jon kept roaming around the beach, like a kid on his first Easter egg hunt. I suppose it would've helped for the more seasoned and experienced of us to actually 'show' him what to do, but we were much to busy digging clams!

While somewhat a slow starter, Bob came to life in the final quarter. His childhood memories of digging clams kicked in, and the evasive bounty was no match for the 'Stewart-Washburn' Clam Tag Team!

I think it's important to note the condition of each hunters clam bag as dusk quickly approached.

The ride back home was equally enjoyable. Luke started up several 'sports-related games, like starting with the number 1, and naming a player who has a jersey with that number. Jon and I were quickly eliminated, so we engaged in some great conversation. Later, Jon suggested a game where someone names a company, and then someone else has to name the CEO. The rest of us agreed that was a really boring idea.

As I think back on our day, there was a point when we were all standing there on the beach, the RAIN pouring down around us, and I thought "How appropriate!"

Ah, male bonding at its best!