Clam Digging

Although we have done this only once, we figured that when you live in Maine do as the "Mainers." Apparently the clam digging is left to the professionals around here as very few people have actually gone clam digging. We are either extremely naive or overly enthusiastic. I think I would opt for the first. After the hour or two we were there, I can see why. It is backbreaking work. It might have been a bit helpful if we had known what to do, but that didn't stop us. After several googled articles and armed with a couple pitchforks and boots, we trapsed into the water with high hopes. We did get about four clams. They were rather large, and not the ones that everyone favors, but we felt like we were experiencing life. Along with the clams, we also brought several muscles home to cook as well. They were actually quite tasty, but not before we got a shock as we were preparing to cook them. According to our googled entries, you are to soak the clams and muscles in clean salt water for about two hours. This should give the clams time to expel the dirt still in their systems, as the water they are in doesn't have any dirt. Placing them in a huge bucket with fresh water to which we added salt, we began to wait. About an hour later, we hear movement from the bucket. What could possibly be moving. When we looked in, we were shocked to see this huge tongue-like thing protruding from the clam and then quickly go back in. Needless to say, we were very fascinated. We spent the rest of the time staring in the bucket. Finally, cooking time! With hope that we wouldn't make ourselves sick, we cooked your muscles and made clam cakes. Yes, we actually ate them, and no, we didn't get sick. We were actually quite proud of ourselves!!!!!

P.S. If you are reading this, you may want to check out Liz's latest blog. Watching the movie from Leah's farewell brought back lots of happy memories!!!!!!!!