PENINSULA – Members and guests of the Pacific Northwest 4-Wheel Drive Association descended upon the sands of the Peninsula Saturday, Sept. 17, to pick up the litter that mars its beauty.

This year was the 34th year the project has taken place on the Washington coastal areas.

More than 131 people joined in the Peninsula portion of the state cleanup, and 11 clubs from the Pacific Northwest 4-Wheel Drive Association participated this year. Clubs participating included Flat Broke and 4-Wheelin from St. Helens, Ore.; Jolly Jeepers from Canby, Ore.; Mud A Rama from Gladstone, Ore.; Mud Muckers of Tillamook, Ore.; Mud Puppies 4-Wheelers from Vancouver; Our Gang Off Roaders from Woodland; PNW Individual Members from Longview; Sand Fleas from Gladstone, Ore.; Trailbreakers, Inc. from Longview; Vancouver 4-Wheelers; and the Washougal Bunch. Also participating was Woody’s 4×4 from Vancouver. Representing Farmers Insurance were Ed and Donna Mazzini of Vancouver. Milo and Linda Wilson drove over from Yakima and Brian Martin, Laura Cramton, and Kegan Cramton came down from Covington to participate.

Boy Scout Troop No. 479 came from Vancouver and Boy Scout Troop No. 503 drove down from Puyallup.

In excess of 2,900 pounds of garbage was collected from Benson Beach and from Beards Hollow to Oysterville. Odd finds this year included a stone tile, a mouse pad, a garden hose, a barbecue, and a hat from the Malheur Wildlife Preserve. Foreign garbage came from China, Japan, and Canada. Something else different was found but we weren’t sure if Latcsima (or Latesima) was a country or a product.

By the time all the participants would have arrived home they traveled 41,284 miles.

Plans are already underway for the 2006 Operation Shore Patrol, which will take place the weekend of Sept. 16.