Clams!

Today was another successful hunt! After discovering my strange obsession with clam hunting a few months ago, I've been longing to return to the clam goldmine ever since, especially seeing as how winter is coming. My mom, being the lovely person that she is, took pity on my obsession and drove me back to my spot today, where I disappeared into my happy place. We were originally a little worried that the clam hunt wouldn't be all that successful, since the weather has turned colder, but boy were those worries a waste of time! The beach was even more plentiful, littered with I'd say thousands of clams, hiding in plain sight! Like our brave soldiers that stormed the beach at Normandy, I stormed the beach of Doliver. The troops (ma and I) ran into a few snags at first, that being a way to cross a small stream to get to the beach without getting wet, but without sacrifice, there is no victory (Thanks Transformers)! Shoes got wet, and my mother's and my agility skills were put to the test, but we came out on the other side, unscathed.

For two and a half hours, I scoured the area for clams, easily filling two bags and a few more armfuls. I'm sure any passerby was alarmed at my behavior, for I would frequently shout out, "Clams!" or "Pinkage!" (I love the pink clam shells because they're rare and gorgeous.) or "Pick and choose!" (I was accumulating many, after all.) or "No sacrifice, no victory!" or "It can be salvaged!" (Some had chips, but were still pretty intact.) Yes, it is safe to say that I was a complete nut out there, but I was having fun and was excited, two things that don't come all that easily for me.  It was much needed too, believe me.

When I was done with the main beach, I decided to try out a tiny little island just off the beach, and had to cross more water to do so. My shoes got wet again, and my pants were covered in slime and mud, but I didn't care. I take clam hunting seriously. My coat was even covered with dirt and mud. Anyway, on this little inlet, I not only found more clams, but a little mascot: a pink-haired girl figurine wearing a scary looking dress. When I found more clams than my bags could carry, I planted a stick in the ground to mark my territory, and deposited my clams there until I finished with my hunt. I then transferred those to the car by the armful, while my mom shook her head with amusement. (After all, if I'm strange, it's partly her fault!) All in all, this time around was more successful, and I offered the beach a well-deserved salute before I left. 

After the clam hunt, my mom and I did a little shopping, which was somewhat interesting considering I looked like I'd just come out of a hog trough. But for once I didn't care. I had too much fun to care what I looked like afterwards. Dedication is when you're willing to go through the day with filthy pants, wet, muddy shoes and socks, and a distinct smell of fish encircling your flesh. Good stuff, people! And now I'm sitting at the computer, clad in fresh pants and socks, and am feeling as happy as a clam. Hehe.