It was determined that I should make another assault on the beach and the residents there of. I being
a loyal soldier and feeling the sting of near defeat in the last battle readily agreed. Knowing better the
rigors I could possibly be facing, I planned this assault with much enthusiasm, all be it some
intrepidation. First, I would need some troops to make this assault. Bashoy Raub ("Large Slave Boy"
My sons nickname since he has grown so big) was my first thought, but would he consent to make
another perilous attempt? He would come if he knew what was good for him. We would need another
driver because my better half, although enthusiastically pushing me out the door at the thought of
more tasty clams in the frying pan, declined to make the trip with me. Who did I know that would
make this trip? Possibly the "Vitailsorus" would come? He, seemingly not as smart as his grades
would say, also agreed to make the trip. My team was now set. I must determine the equipment
needed for a successful trip.
The correct weapons could turn the tide in any battle. The "Viltalisorus" said he had access to an
arms dealer, namely his neighbor, who could provide these weapons. Being that this was an ill
financed expedition, I consented. The weapons he attained seemed adequate and we moved on to
more planning.
Surprise is also very important and so we planned to leave very early so our battle would start while
the enemy was still sleeping. Also that was when the tide would be at it's lowest and would give us
the greatest access to our enemy. Luckily the price of petrol was down and the distance not so great
as last time. "Bashoy Raub" was assigned to monitor the weather so that our expedition would be
prepared for anything. His reports were favorable. Clear skies were forecast and all was looking
good. The one drawback was that with this clear weather there would also be cold temperatures.
Poor handling of the weapons could be the result of this cold.
All members were told of the conditions that we expected to be facing, and told to plan accordingly.
"Bashoy Raub" packed all he had in the way of foul weather gear and I was afraid that we would not
be able to take it all. My fears were lessened when "The Vitalasorus" showed up the morning of our
departure with virtually nothing with him. It was hoped that he had very thick skin because he was
going to need it to survive. Also the ride home would be much more comfortable with a change of
clothing, but he did not listen to the reports. I being the commander of this mission knowing all that
we would be facing was outfitted well. Chest waders were the main armament I would have along. The
cold waters of the "Pacific Ocean" would not have their way with me.
The alarm rang and woke me up as though I had been struck with lightning. I flew from the bed and
dressed quickly. It was later related to me that it sounded like a herd of elephants getting ready to go
on a rampage as "Bashoy Raub" and I were getting ready that morning. This person also claimed that
a profuse amount of dirt was left on the carpet for her to clean in the morning. Not knowing where
this dirt could possibly have come from, I suggested that maybe she had been sleep walking in the
garden after we left and had been responsible for the dirt. The strange and scary look I received
suggested to me that this line of response, although entirely possible, was best not pursued. I then, in
a submissive voice and attitude, suggested that the elephants would be more careful next time.
"The Viltalisorus" arrived on time and we were on our way. First stop was to fuel up and this was
done at a local all night establishment. The gas is cheap there and there are many things there to
keep the expeditionier and his army happy. Thus supplied we again were on the road. It was not long
before my troops abandoned me for some sleep. Just before this they had been trying to tell what
direction I was going by looking at the stars. There were many stars out this night and this must have
confused them for they quickly became silent and the sleep followed.
On through the night our red chariot carried us to an uncertain future. Then the stars disappeared
and we were in some thick fog. "Bashoy Raubs" reports had not mentioned this and I thought to tell
him to be more thorough next time. It did not last long and thus my chastisement would not be forth
coming. "Bashoy Raub" had dodged a scolding and did not even know it due to the pleasures of
sleep. Few cars or trucks were on the road this early morning and our progress was steady. The
smell of salt and of course the sign stating "Ocean Beaches ahead" foretold of our arrival at our
destination.
My troops awakened and prepared for battle. Preparation for me was much more difficult than for my
troops. For the comfort I would receive from the waders, I had to pay dearly in getting them on.
Undaunted we all were soon ready and quickly headed for the only light visible near the water.
Some people were already assaulting the enemy. For awhile, all we could do was watch them because
there had been a lapse in our planning process. The sun would not be giving off enough light to see
by for another half-hour and we had not brought a lantern. Being that we all had shared in the
responsibility of supplying the expedition, I decided not to press my dissatisfaction with the troops.
Soon we were attacking the enemy with much joy. It was not long before we were taking prisoners.
The weather was warm enough that I had to remove my coat. There was no where to put this coat and
none of the troops could be ordered or politely asked or threatened to take it back to the truck, so I
had to do it myself. As 1 was walking back I knew I had much more training to do with this mutinous
crew I had along with me. On my return from the truck, where I was assaulted by a very upset dog,
(we had brought Littlefoot, my bird dog along, and he thought he could find clams just as well as birds
and let me know this) I found that "The Vitalasorus" & "Bashoy Raub" were vastly ahead of me in their
pursuit of the vaunted limit. I renewed my assault with much energy, not wanting to hear all the way
home how the troops had beaten me to the first limit.
Then disaster struck. One of the shovels broke. We continued on but it was not so easy to dig with
this shovel. In the true nature of comrades in arms we took to sharing the last two good devices. All
three limits were attained and no bickering could be heard about who had dug the most clams. Of
course we all knew that I as the commander had won this contest but I decided not to demoralize the
troops with this unrelenting fact for more than half way home.
Leaving the scene of this battle we came upon a troop carrier that had been mired in the loose sand.
This was not to surprising being that it was just a civilian troop carrier (2-wheel drive). We
endeavored to get him out and finally succeeded with the loan of a tow rope from some others who
happened on the scene. Good-byes were said as we went our separate ways.
A call was made when we were back-in the real world ("real world" = within range of a cell site) to
inform the high commander of our success. Somehow I mis-spoke and told a story about our lack of
success. The high commander was very disappointed and stated she would think up an appropriate
punishment. Knowing the errors of my ways I informed her of the truth and was told the punishment
would be even more sever. It was at this time that I was told of the elephant story. Fearing retribution
and the possible lack on the part of the high commander to feed us on our return home, we stopped
at a burger stand for 39 cent cheeseburgers and a planning session on what to do next. Even the
crazed dog in the back enjoyed a cup of water and a cheeseburger. Fully stuffed with these burgers
we headed home for whatever punishment awaited us.
The high commander was very cheerful at the sight of the large bag of clams and seemed to have
forgotten about all the earlier threats. "The Vitalisorus" gathered his belongings and his share of
clams and departed for home. I believed he feared the high commander might remember the threats.
"Bashoy Raub" showered while I started cleaning the clams. He was soon asleep on the couch, while I
on the other hand, was cleaning the clams for about one hour and was very glad that when at last I
was done. The high commander during this time had fried some of the cleaned clams and pronounced
them "tasty."
a loyal soldier and feeling the sting of near defeat in the last battle readily agreed. Knowing better the
rigors I could possibly be facing, I planned this assault with much enthusiasm, all be it some
intrepidation. First, I would need some troops to make this assault. Bashoy Raub ("Large Slave Boy"
My sons nickname since he has grown so big) was my first thought, but would he consent to make
another perilous attempt? He would come if he knew what was good for him. We would need another
driver because my better half, although enthusiastically pushing me out the door at the thought of
more tasty clams in the frying pan, declined to make the trip with me. Who did I know that would
make this trip? Possibly the "Vitailsorus" would come? He, seemingly not as smart as his grades
would say, also agreed to make the trip. My team was now set. I must determine the equipment
needed for a successful trip.
The correct weapons could turn the tide in any battle. The "Viltalisorus" said he had access to an
arms dealer, namely his neighbor, who could provide these weapons. Being that this was an ill
financed expedition, I consented. The weapons he attained seemed adequate and we moved on to
more planning.
Surprise is also very important and so we planned to leave very early so our battle would start while
the enemy was still sleeping. Also that was when the tide would be at it's lowest and would give us
the greatest access to our enemy. Luckily the price of petrol was down and the distance not so great
as last time. "Bashoy Raub" was assigned to monitor the weather so that our expedition would be
prepared for anything. His reports were favorable. Clear skies were forecast and all was looking
good. The one drawback was that with this clear weather there would also be cold temperatures.
Poor handling of the weapons could be the result of this cold.
All members were told of the conditions that we expected to be facing, and told to plan accordingly.
"Bashoy Raub" packed all he had in the way of foul weather gear and I was afraid that we would not
be able to take it all. My fears were lessened when "The Vitalasorus" showed up the morning of our
departure with virtually nothing with him. It was hoped that he had very thick skin because he was
going to need it to survive. Also the ride home would be much more comfortable with a change of
clothing, but he did not listen to the reports. I being the commander of this mission knowing all that
we would be facing was outfitted well. Chest waders were the main armament I would have along. The
cold waters of the "Pacific Ocean" would not have their way with me.
The alarm rang and woke me up as though I had been struck with lightning. I flew from the bed and
dressed quickly. It was later related to me that it sounded like a herd of elephants getting ready to go
on a rampage as "Bashoy Raub" and I were getting ready that morning. This person also claimed that
a profuse amount of dirt was left on the carpet for her to clean in the morning. Not knowing where
this dirt could possibly have come from, I suggested that maybe she had been sleep walking in the
garden after we left and had been responsible for the dirt. The strange and scary look I received
suggested to me that this line of response, although entirely possible, was best not pursued. I then, in
a submissive voice and attitude, suggested that the elephants would be more careful next time.
"The Viltalisorus" arrived on time and we were on our way. First stop was to fuel up and this was
done at a local all night establishment. The gas is cheap there and there are many things there to
keep the expeditionier and his army happy. Thus supplied we again were on the road. It was not long
before my troops abandoned me for some sleep. Just before this they had been trying to tell what
direction I was going by looking at the stars. There were many stars out this night and this must have
confused them for they quickly became silent and the sleep followed.
On through the night our red chariot carried us to an uncertain future. Then the stars disappeared
and we were in some thick fog. "Bashoy Raubs" reports had not mentioned this and I thought to tell
him to be more thorough next time. It did not last long and thus my chastisement would not be forth
coming. "Bashoy Raub" had dodged a scolding and did not even know it due to the pleasures of
sleep. Few cars or trucks were on the road this early morning and our progress was steady. The
smell of salt and of course the sign stating "Ocean Beaches ahead" foretold of our arrival at our
destination.
My troops awakened and prepared for battle. Preparation for me was much more difficult than for my
troops. For the comfort I would receive from the waders, I had to pay dearly in getting them on.
Undaunted we all were soon ready and quickly headed for the only light visible near the water.
Some people were already assaulting the enemy. For awhile, all we could do was watch them because
there had been a lapse in our planning process. The sun would not be giving off enough light to see
by for another half-hour and we had not brought a lantern. Being that we all had shared in the
responsibility of supplying the expedition, I decided not to press my dissatisfaction with the troops.
Soon we were attacking the enemy with much joy. It was not long before we were taking prisoners.
The weather was warm enough that I had to remove my coat. There was no where to put this coat and
none of the troops could be ordered or politely asked or threatened to take it back to the truck, so I
had to do it myself. As 1 was walking back I knew I had much more training to do with this mutinous
crew I had along with me. On my return from the truck, where I was assaulted by a very upset dog,
(we had brought Littlefoot, my bird dog along, and he thought he could find clams just as well as birds
and let me know this) I found that "The Vitalasorus" & "Bashoy Raub" were vastly ahead of me in their
pursuit of the vaunted limit. I renewed my assault with much energy, not wanting to hear all the way
home how the troops had beaten me to the first limit.
Then disaster struck. One of the shovels broke. We continued on but it was not so easy to dig with
this shovel. In the true nature of comrades in arms we took to sharing the last two good devices. All
three limits were attained and no bickering could be heard about who had dug the most clams. Of
course we all knew that I as the commander had won this contest but I decided not to demoralize the
troops with this unrelenting fact for more than half way home.
Leaving the scene of this battle we came upon a troop carrier that had been mired in the loose sand.
This was not to surprising being that it was just a civilian troop carrier (2-wheel drive). We
endeavored to get him out and finally succeeded with the loan of a tow rope from some others who
happened on the scene. Good-byes were said as we went our separate ways.
A call was made when we were back-in the real world ("real world" = within range of a cell site) to
inform the high commander of our success. Somehow I mis-spoke and told a story about our lack of
success. The high commander was very disappointed and stated she would think up an appropriate
punishment. Knowing the errors of my ways I informed her of the truth and was told the punishment
would be even more sever. It was at this time that I was told of the elephant story. Fearing retribution
and the possible lack on the part of the high commander to feed us on our return home, we stopped
at a burger stand for 39 cent cheeseburgers and a planning session on what to do next. Even the
crazed dog in the back enjoyed a cup of water and a cheeseburger. Fully stuffed with these burgers
we headed home for whatever punishment awaited us.
The high commander was very cheerful at the sight of the large bag of clams and seemed to have
forgotten about all the earlier threats. "The Vitalisorus" gathered his belongings and his share of
clams and departed for home. I believed he feared the high commander might remember the threats.
"Bashoy Raub" showered while I started cleaning the clams. He was soon asleep on the couch, while I
on the other hand, was cleaning the clams for about one hour and was very glad that when at last I
was done. The high commander during this time had fried some of the cleaned clams and pronounced
them "tasty."
| |||||
Clam Chowder Two
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |