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It's the Oregon Coast Storm That Wasn't |
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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.
10/09/07
Secrets of the Season |
It's the Oregon Coast Storm That Wasn't
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| Stormy scene near Cannon Beach in 2006 |
(Oregon Coast) – With everyone expecting some wild waves and windy sights on the coast, it came on with no bang and more of a whisper. The big storm that was supposed to hit the Oregon coast Tuesday resulted in nothing but 20 mph gusts in Newport, a 30 mph gust in Garibaldi, a little bit of rain and just enough sustained wind to make things normal for a winter-like day on the beach.
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Some coastal locals were disappointed by the lack of anything spectacular, while others were shrugging off the predicted 30 – 40 mph winds in the first place, as inland media touted the first big storm of the season.
It wasn’t even technically going to be that, said Keith Chandler, manager of the Seaside Aquarium. “The first storm of the season was about ten days ago,” he said. “The power went out for about ten minutes, and the wind knocked things around a bit.”
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| Storm surges attack Lincoln City beaches last winter |
In Portland, substantial winds were expected as well, but in the Raleigh Hills area there was no discernible wind most of the day.
Chandler scoffed at the storm predictions and joked: “It was all blown out of proportion, if you’ll excuse the pun. I'm sure it blew all the trees down offshore!"
Winds created ocean swells around 40 feet just offshore, making for craft warnings along the coastline. But on the coast itself, there wasn’t much interesting or unusual in the size of the waves.
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
“I would call them medium in size,” Chandler said. He added it wasn’t raining hard, and the wind was just enough for kite flying most of the day. “Nothing blustery. It was just a winter day at the beach.
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| A stunning storm dumped loads of snow on the coast last January, such as here at Depoe Bay's Trollers Lodge |
“When the first storms hit here, the winds first take out the weakened limbs on trees. But this was nothing. We’re used to this, and to 30 mph winds. It takes 60 mph winds to get us excited – and even then those don’t last for long.”
In Depoe Bay, Trollers Lodge owner Peg Leoni wasn’t doing too much to prepare for what they thought might be a bit of a windy situation. “We always stock candles, flashlights and extra blankets,” she said. “It's only ‘breezy’ as long as you can walk upright. Windy is when you have to lean into it. Strong winds or ‘gale force’ means you need to carry a bowling ball to avoid becoming airborne.”
In Manzanita, San Dune Inn owner Brian Hines said Tuesday was quite pleasant. “It’s rather warm and pleasant with a steady drizzle and a light variable wind,” he said. “None of the stormy diagonal rain which at times can beat you half to death.”
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| Above Manzanita on a moody day |
Nearby,
Sunset Vacation Rentals’
Amy Dunlap was disappointed. “All I have to say is BUMMER!,”
she exclaimed. “I was ready for a big storm to talk about while
I was in Hawaii for the next week.”
Hines wasn’t too let down, however. He was still enjoying the slower pace of this season. “Am still chilling out from the summer craziness.”
The tourists didn’t seem to mind, either. Everyone talked to by BeachConnection.net didn’t sense any large numbers came out to see the tidal melee. “Didn't have any stormy weather specific guests in last night, nor booked for tonight either,” Hines said. “In fact, walk-in traffic is very light so far this month. The absence of this can be a a little disconcerting bearing in mind travelers along the coast going north and south generally have made their plans in advance, and the weather is a happenstance and is really co-incidental to the basic idea of, say, traveling from Seattle to San Francisco and taking in the sights.”
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| Wild waves in Yachats |
In
the tiny central coast town of Yachats, Yachats
Wine Trader manager Marsii Charron was hoping to see some real action,
perfectly visible from her wine bar. She looks forward to this storm season
for a bevy of good reasons.
“We hope to see lots of storm watchers this season,” she said. “I encourage people to travel and take advantage of the action-packed weather. It makes a big difference to be somewhere with a great view. If you stay home you could be stuck watching the rain hit the windows but if you come to Yachats, you can watch the storms brew up 20 miles off the coast. It's like watching a hurricane come in. It's very exciting. Since we’re located on the Yachats bay, we have the best view and atmosphere to watch storms. Our customers can sit for hours sipping wine and watching the progression of the storms. When the power goes out, we light up all candles. The bigger the storm the cooler it is to be here."
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
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
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 |
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 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 |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
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