VELCRO-STRAP SHOES were a staple of my early childhood wardrobe.
This was more of a matter of necessity than a choice, due to an inability and later an unwillingness to learn to tie my own bow knot with shoe laces.
Increasingly frustrated with my stubbornness, my grandfather sat me down and taught me how to chase those bunny ears.
Eventually, the lesson took root and I became an expert with the laces — even tasked with tying kids shoes when I worked at the Boys & Girls Club in Sequim one summer.
At one point in college I could even fashion a Half-Windsor knot for professional purposes.
I’ve never mastered much else in the way of knots or tying, but a Port Angeles resident certainly has.
Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers member John Gort recently received accolades from the Washington Council of the International Federation of Fly Fishers.
Gort was presented with the Fly Tying Hall of Fame Award at the Fly Fishing Fair in Ellensburg last month.
An expert fly-tier, Gort received the award not just for his tying skills, but for the creativity and innovation he has brought to the art of fly tying and most importantly, his ability and willingness to impart that knowledge with others through teaching and in publications.
“John embodies all those criteria to an exceptional degree, and is recognized throughout the Northwest for his fly tying skills and his willingness to instruct those just learning the art, and to help seasoned veterans reach new skill levels,” said Bill Wrobel, a fellow member of the Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers.
Dig for your dinner
Novice clam diggers have two chances to learn how to dig for their dinner, one Tuesday and the other Saturday, July 26.
The sessions on harvesting clams on area beaches will be offered by Washington State University Jefferson County Extension Beach Watchers and state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists Camille Speck and Doug Rogers.
Attendees will learn about the different types of clams, where to find them, how to harvest in a safe and sustainable manner, and the basic rules and regulations that accompany clamming.
“People like the idea of going out on the beach and harvesting clams for their dinner,” said Cheryl Lowe, Jefferson County Beach Watcher coordinator.
“It’s a lot of fun and great for families to do together. We want people to learn how to do it the right way, to understand the direct connection between clean water and shellfish safety and how small actions like filling in your holes afterwards creates the right conditions for more clams to harvest later.“
Tuesday’s session will be held at Oak Bay County Park, off Oak Bay Road near Port Hadlock, at noon.
The July 26 session is set for Indian Island County Park (the North Lagoon Beach unit), at 10 a.m.
Registration is free, but organizers are seeking a $5 donation per family per event.
RSVP to wsujeffersoncounty@gmail.com or phone 360-379-5610, ext. 200.
Once registered, participants should bring a valid shellfish license, a bucket, boots and tools for the dig, like a shovel, trowel or rake.
Clammers age 14 and younger do not require a license.
Other program partners include the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Northwest Straits Initiative.
Boating safety class
“About Boating Safety,” a class on how to stay safe out on the water, will be offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 42, on Saturday.
The course will be held at the coast guard base on Ediz Hook in Port Angeles starting at 9 a.m.
Completing the class will qualify attendees for a Washington State Boater Education Card, a requirement for all boaters age 55 and younger.
Cost is $15 per person or $20 for two people.
To register, phone 360-452-1135.
Marine swap meet
The Port Angeles Yacht Club, 1305 Marine Drive, will host its eighth annual Outdoor Marine Swap Meet and Indoor Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Coffee and doughnuts will be available along with the marine and household treasures.
Upon request, boat safety inspections also will be conducted by the North Olympic Sail and Power Squadron if you trailer your boat to the event.
The squadron has the authority to affix a 2014 safety decal to compliant vessels.
Deer Park campground
The Deer Park Road and Campground in Olympic National Park opened for the season Tuesday
The 9-mile road is open as far as the campground.
The last short section of road above the campground remains closed due to erosion damage and is expected to open by the end of the week.
Visitors are advised to use caution while driving this winding gravel road, particularly over the coming week when heavy equipment will be operating along the road.
A road grader will work on improving the road’s gravel surface this week.
The campground provides primitive camping, with pit toilets and no drinking water.
Hurricane Hill Road
Hurricane Hill Road, the 1.5-mile of road that leads past the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center to the Hurricane Ridge picnic area and Hurricane Hill trailhead, is open.
Sections of the 8-mile long Obstruction Point Road are still snow-covered.
Park staff hope to open the first 3 miles to the Waterhole area by the end of this month.
For more on Olympic National Park, visit www.nps.gov/olym.
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Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.