Gather And Go Friends Group

Description
Presidents’ Day weekend at Long Beach feels like stepping into a moment that the Pacific has been saving just for you. Before the sun is even up, the whole coast is washed in that dreamy pre-dawn blue—soft, quiet, and full of promise. The air is cool enough to wake you gently, not bite you, carrying that clean, salty scent of tidal flats opening up for the day.
As you walk onto the vast, flat stretch of sand—Long Beach always looks a little endless—you’ll see it: headlamps bobbing like floating fireflies across the shoreline, families and seasoned diggers already tracing the receding tide. The ocean is whispering instead of roaring; the waves feel calmer during these winter minus tides, leaving the sand glossy and smooth like polished stone.
Then the magic moment:
You spot a subtle “show”—that little dimple or donut in the sand—and adrenaline sparks. One quick plunge of the clam gun, a twist, a pull, and from the cold packed sand emerges a gleaming razor clam, its shell catching the light like brushed bronze. It’s strangely thrilling every single time—half treasure hunt, half coastal ritual.
The deeper the tide goes out, the more the whole beach transforms. The sky brightens into soft pink, then gold, and the entire landscape becomes a watercolor of ocean mist, wide-open beach, and silhouettes of people laughing over their buckets. You feel part of a shared winter tradition—quiet, simple, comforting, yet full of little bursts of triumph with every successful dig.
When the tide turns, you head back to town with your bucket clinking, fingers chilled but spirit warm. Maybe you grab chowder at a local cafe, steam rising from your bowl while you watch the surf beyond the windows. Or you head back to your rental to clean the clams and plan a crispy pan-fry feast that tastes impossibly fresh because you earned it yourself.
By afternoon, the coast shifts again—stormy clouds breaking open to reveal sudden beams of sunlight on the water, or sea fog rolling in like a silvery curtain. Long Beach in February always feels alive, unpredictable, cinematic.
There’s no holiday weekend quite like this one: crisp winter air, dramatic coastal beauty, and the simple, satisfying joy of pulling your own dinner straight from the sand. It’s peaceful, energizing, and just wild enough that you feel like you’ve escaped the rest of the world for a while.

Airbnb spots and costs
We have 1 airbnb split between 6 people. It'll be $150 each person for a spot. Everyone is responsible for figuring out their own bedding arrangements. If you want to guarantee not sharing a bed then you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. The spots will be first come/pay first serve. Deadline for full refund is Jan 21st. After that only $100 is refunded if you can find a last minute replacement from the waitlist and no refund if there is no replacement. This is necessary because last minute drops impacts lots of people on the trip. Clam closure is not a valid reason for a refund

No cancellations for clam closure
There is a chance of razor clam closure. There is NO REFUND for that. Instead we will find alternative things to do near our airbnb.

Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/family

Description
Embark on an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with the serene beauty of nature. Your journey begins at the Whidbey Island, a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque views of the Puget Sound. As you hike through the park's diverse trails, you'll be captivated by the lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and the majestic Deception Pass Bridge.
But the excitement doesn't end there. This trip offers a unique opportunity to experience the local wildlife up close. Imagine the thrill of catching crawfish in the park's pristine waters, where these freshwater crustaceans thrive. With expert guidance, you'll learn the best techniques for catching crawfish and enjoy the satisfaction of a successful haul.
Next, venture into the wetlands and ponds to encounter bullfrogs, known for their distinctive calls and impressive size. Whether you're observing them in their natural habitat or trying your hand at catching them, the experience is sure to be memorable.
The adventure continues with mussel foraging along the rocky shores. Discover the joy of collecting these delicious shellfish, which are abundant in the park's tidal zones. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, you'll learn to identify and gather mussels safely and sustainably.
As the day winds down, set up camp in one of the park's scenic camping areas. Enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of Deception Pass State Park. Share stories around the campfire, savor the fresh catch of the day, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of nature.
This hiking and camping trip to Whidbey Island, combined with crawfish catching, bullfrog encounters, and mussel foraging, promises an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and the wonders of wildlife. Are you ready to embark on this captivating journey?

People who don't want to forage anything.
This trip will include visiting deception pass state park plus an optional component of crawfishing, bullfrogging, clamming, and crabbing.
Priority of spots will be given to those who are crawfishing, bullfrogging, clamming, and crabbing. People who don't want to do any of that but are still interested should dm me to add to a waitlist. If spots remain open I will give them to those who joined the waitlist earlier.

Itinerary:

1. Friday 6:00 PM Drive to Deception Pass Camp
2. Friday: For people who arrive early Friday, start grilling food or bullfrogging. If you arrive before sunset you can also set crawfish traps
3. Saturday 8AM: Set Crawfish traps or forage for mussels/clams or go hike
4. Saturday 12PM: Eat Lunch. Eat harvested lunch or something else
5. Saturday 1PM: Stay at camp or go hike at Deception Pass State Park
6. Saturday 6PM: Cook up harvested food for the night.
7. Saturday 8PM: Go bullfrogging
8. Sunday 8AM: Eat Breakfast and pack out of camp
9. Sunday 1PM: Hike, harvest shellfish, or go home

Equipment to bring

More details to come