Today is the last day for this year's Fred Hall Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It doesn't look like a good one for being out on the water or traipsing around in the boonies, so why not take the family to the show? It's not all just fishing, there's lots of boats, kayaks, tackle sellers, art and jewelry makers and vendors, lectures, hunting and fishing services like Sea Tow, food stands, fishing for kids, water dog jumping and my own favorite, the duck races. A former Oregonian, I'm a natural fan of ducks, but these seemed more intelligent than most. Maybe they're conditioned rather than trained, but some of the young birds I saw in Del Mar Thursday afternoon seemed to know exactly where the finish line was, and they all knew that having crossed it meant they could have a good time splashing and bathing. As I watched on pair battle for the lead near the finish, one bird paused just inches short, and the other took full advantage, just like some racehorses I've watched.