September 13, 2008 - Just a fun day at the beach

6 AM and we were on our way to the beach. Jet skies, Vellen, Sharon, Myran, Ilene and I. A donut and cup of coffee for breakfast. We were not in a hurry but there was this truck that was going 45 mph on the highway and we couldn't get around it. When we came to a passing lane, it was up to 75 mph. We were thinking "what a jerk." It was a good thing we were not in a hurry. We drafted him and got good mileage.

At Nehalem Bay there were a lot of boats and trailers. The lot was full and they were parking on the street. It seemed the crabbing has been out of this world. Some boats had been getting 20 to 30 with just two nets.

We were off to fish. We put on our cold water gear and went over the bar. The bar was the easiest one I have ever been over. We were out in the big blue thing and the rollers were not too big so air time was only 20 to 30 feet. There were no boats out there and we soon found our favorite fishing spot and started to fish. To make a long story short, we caught about 10 and let half of them go because they were too small. I hooked into a 30 inch lingcod and a 15 inch rock. Myran caught three Cabezon about two feet long. With light trout poles they pulled out line and gave you a good fight. Vellen caught two but had to let them go - too small. They have to be 22" or larger for the lings. The interesting thing was a slight breeze came up, the tide changed and the fish stop biting - Just that fast. I wanted to try for tuna but it was getting rough and was going to get worse. Tuna are 20 miles out and that is a long way on a ski. We were only out two miles.

Back to the truck. The bar going back was easier than going out. There is just something about being in the big waves that are over your head that gives you a rush.

We carry the fish up through the people oowing and awing about them.

Off to clam and Myran put on all his gear, a diving belt that is very heavy, his life jacket over his wet suit, and up the bay we go. We found ourselves out of the channel a few times, but got to where we wanted to be. It took a little time but in two feet of water you can see them. Myran has his diving gear on and picks them up. Vellen and I pulled the boat around. Soon we had our limit and were headed back. Note: We didn't take something to put them in so they were in the runner of the boat with a foot to keep them there. Myran had a senior moment. He was thinking that he should put on his life jacket - Oh he had his life jacket on. He had been DIVING with his life jacket AND WEIGHT BELT. Well, never too safe!

Vellen and Myran went to play in the big blue thing and I tried to get one of those crabs with nets that I paid $40.00 apiece for. I have not caught a crab with one of them yet! I STILL have not. I don't think much of them. After an hour I gave up. Vellen and Myran were back to rest and then I went out with them to jump. What a hoot. The wind was blowing about 20 or so and you got a face full of spray that hurts so you stand up and it was less. Your eyes burned from the salt in them. With the sun out I was red in the face. It was worth every little pain. Oh yea, the waves were sharp so you could get a lot of height, much higher than the ski was long. The problem was when you came down it was like a pile driver on your back. Yes, we were standing up but the seat came up and banged you in the butt. You really had to do it to see what I am talking about. Myran got one as it broke and it almost washed him off. It was just a lot of fun.

The wind was up and we had been on the water for 7 hours so it was time to go home. Just a great day. You could say I was hurting. It was a good thing Myran was driving because I soon fell asleep in the seat. Vellen and Sharon took his own pick up and Myran and Ilene and I were in Myran's pick up.

At home we filleted the fish and cleaned the clams. We fried up fresh fish and ate some fresh clams. It was time for bed.

Any time you can come back from a trip like that and just hurt a little, it is a good one.