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February FossilFest Digs Deep Into Oregon Coast |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
01/12/08
Secrets of the Season |
February FossilFest Digs Deep Into Oregon Coast
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| Fossils embedded in the rock at Fogarty State Park, near Depoe Bay |
(Newport, Oregon) – The Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport will go underground on February 9 with FossilFest – a collection of events for collectors of fossils and those interested in dino-age objects. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and admission is by suggested donation.
For those stumped by their own finds, there’s the fossil identification feature. Bring in your fossils for expert identification by Dr. William Orr of University of Oregon and “Oregon Fossil Guy” Guy DiTorrice
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There will also be the fossil swap. Tables will be set up for trading those extra fossils you may have. Bring in your specimens for identification and labeling. Bring in your own fossils for trading with fellow bone-bugs (these are rock-hounds who are into fossils). Pick up a fossil or two from the samples’ table.
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| Scallop fossil in a rock wall near Arch Cape, just south of Cannon Beach |
Various displays of fossils will be on hand. Representative fossils from the local Astoria and Nye formations (15-20 million years ago) will be on display. Table displays include fossils collected locally by the “Oregon Fossil Guy” Guy DiTorrice. A large tabletop display showcasing highlights of fossils folks can find on Oregon beaches will be featured in addition to the multi-media presentation. DiTorrice will show off some Florida specimens, including skate and ray plates, corals, snail and clam shells, dugong and whale bones, as well as a wide variety of shark teeth.
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A highlight of the Florida shark teeth display will be a number of large Megaladon teeth between five and seven inches in length.
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| Guy DiTorrice |
A returning feature of Oregon State University’s
FossilFest is a table of donated beach fossil specimens for attendees
to select samples to take home, along with printed copies of the OSU SeaGrant
Fact Sheet "Fossils You Can Find On Oregon Beaches."
The North America Research Group (NARG) will display fossils from both
Oregon and Washington and there will be a special display from Oregon
Paleo Lands Institute
NARG will bring along several kids activities, including digging for shark
teeth, making a shark tooth necklace, painting a fossil replica, and an
ammonite toss.
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| Oregon beaches and rocky headlands contain oodles of geologic wonders |
Various presentations will happen in the Hennings Auditorium. At 11:30 a.m., it’s "Discovering Beach Fossils From America's Two West Coasts." This is a multi-media presentation featuring beach fossils from Oregon's Pacific Coast and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Newport fossil enthusiast Guy DiTorrice presents an entertaining and educational program with a focus on comparing and contrasting readily available and legally collectible specimens.
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At 1:30 p.m., it’s “Quality of the non-mammal vertebrates in Oregon's fossil record.”
Oregon's superb fossils of mammals often outshine the less common birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. However, in spite of that fact, some spectacular finds of all of the latter forms have come to light in the past few years. New varieties of large Mesozoic marine reptiles have turned up in Eastern Oregon, while fossil fish as a swordfish, birds including eggs, frogs and salamanders have been extracted from Tertiary and Pleistocene intervals of western Oregon. Entering these lesser-known vertebrates into our fossil record fills in critical gaps in our knowledge of there lower vertebrate orders.
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| Many beaches south of Newport, like Driftwood State Park, are good for fossil-hunting |
Renewed interest in paleontology has stimulated systematic fossil hunting expeditions into all corners of the state with wonderful results. In addition to adding new taxa to the already diverse lists of prehistoric animals, many of these new animals significantly strengthen some of our theories of the geologic origins of the state.
The presentation is made by Dr. William Orr of University
of Oregon.
It all happens at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Marine Science
Dr., Newport, Oregon. 10 a.m.
Admission by suggested donation. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu
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A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
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1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
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Arch
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Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
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Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
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Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
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| Seaside, Oregon Lodging | |||||||||||||
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| Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Lincoln City Lodging | |||||||||||||
| Depoe Bay Lodging | |||||||||||||
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| Cannon Beach Complete Guide | |||||||||||||
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| Seaside, Oregon Complete Guide | |||||||||||||
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