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Marine Ecology Classes For Divers Offered at Oregon Coast Aquarium |
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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, Wadport, Yachats & Florence.
1/19/07
Secrets of the Season |
Marine Ecology Classes For Divers Offered at Oregon Coast Aquarium
(Newport,
Oregon) - Imagine you take a class for fun, and your classroom is a massive
tank full of ocean species, including sharks?
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The Oregon Coast Aquarium is offering a rare opportunity for intermediate scuba divers, with a chance to really get their feet wet while learning.
“Marine Ecology for the Wet and Wild” is an extraordinary experience for divers who will go into the waters of the Aquarium’s “Passages of the Deep” exhibit, home to hundreds of marine animals. The class is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 10th, and includes a review of the 13 major groups of invertebrates inhabiting Northwest waters.
Vallorie Hodges, Dive Safety Officer at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, described what students in the class will experience. “We’ll be right up close to many common – and some uncommon - Pacific Northwest fishes and invertebrates,” Hodges said. “This is an ideal place for divers to learn about marine life because you would have to log many hours diving in the open water of the Oregon coast to find and identify the marine life you will see in one dive at the Aquarium.”
In
this Aquarium setting, divers learn in a more focused manner. “You
see the animals through the acrylic, learn about them in a classroom and
then dive into Passages of the Deep at the Aquarium.” Hodges said.
“You really get to see them up close and walk away with a solid
knowledge of what you see in Pacific Northwest waters.”
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The class is led by Zoologist Richard Yost and Janna Nichols, a REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) instructor. Hodges says the popular class is fun, too. “Richard and Janna have a great chemistry and they play off each other,” she said. “Richard’s humor and Janna ’s diving expertise make it as fun as it is informative.”
Yost uses photos and video clips to highlight the characteristics of the animals and where to find them as well as habitat, behavior and interrelationships. Nichols will focus on fish identification and show the class how to do a REEF fish survey.
“This is a prime
northwest diving experience… seated entry with a tender to help
gear up, no currents and crystal clear water,” said Hodges. “And
we guarantee you will see lots of animals,” The class is Saturday,
February 10th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is limited to six participants.
To register call Vallorie Hodges at 541-867-3474, Ext. 5302. Registration
fee is $140 per person. www.aquarium.org
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms at the Tradewinds Motel are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones with data ports. The oceanfronts all have a queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and a private deck. Some oceanfront units come with all those amenities but the kitchens. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed with a queen bed, small fridge, and coffee maker – sizable for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. There is an elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite that has two bedrooms, coming with a kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For those wanting bigger accommodations for family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms are pet friendly.523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Getting a free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the beginning. Every room is beachfront, and it's all right up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach, next to the D River. Each room, comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some have gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players with movies available for renting (and movie rentals come with free popcorn). There's a heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep anywhere from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates are available, and they offer special occasion packages as well. To make a reservation and see a virtual tour of the rooms, visit our website at www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes There’s something for everyone among this selection of wondrous homes: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All the homes are either oceanfront or just a few steps away from the sand – 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, depending on the home: 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 are allowed in some homes – ask ahead. Each comes with complete kitchens so you’ll have a home away from home. Most have the seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. It's 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. Enjoy dining in the penthouse restaurant and bar - whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a candlelight dinner. They offer an array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including a decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to one-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Hotel amenities include wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and a year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference and meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive, gorgeous wedding possibilities. Near the south end of Lincoln City at 4009 SW Highway 101. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
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