Dead calm. Mostly cloudy.

The tide (ebbing to an afternoon low) was favorable for clam digging on Chatham Island. Armed  with a few garden implements I set out for Puget Cove, on the East side of the Island. In all the years my father brought me to Chatham Island, we never anchored in Puget Cove. Most likely because it's exposed to Juan De Fuca strait. On this day however with nary a trace of wind, it was a perfect place to drop anchor.

The South end of Puget Cove dries at low tide, exposing what used to be a very productive clam bed. The last time I dug clams here was about 40 years ago. A lot has changed since then, most significantly the fact that Whitey is no longer welcome on the Island, as evidenced by the proliferation of 'No Trespassing' signs.

It was for this reason that I wanted to anchor in Puget Cove. The clam beds are just a short row away and I wouldn't have to traverse the Island on foot. I enjoyed a lunch of clam chowder (canned), bread, meat and cheese before leading the away team (me) to shore.

The clamming was disappointing. I managed to uncover a few butter clams but nothing like I remember from my youth. Perhaps the tide wasn't low enough or maybe they were wiped out by Whitey back in the day. Either way it was still nice to see the old place again.

I returned to T2, pulled the anchor and returned to Cadboro Bay.

Trouper II at anchor in Puget Cove.

Puget Cove is exposed to Juan De Fuca Strait. That's the USA in the background.

Nice beach. Notice all of the floating debris in the water.

The clam beds with T2's mast in the background.

Dig it?

That one clam would make for a pretty weak chowder.

Selfie